From regional elections in Emilia-Romagna and Umbria to a nationwide healthcare strike and celebrations of the Madonna della Salute festival in Venice, here are the top events in Italy this week.
Monday, November 18st
Regional elections in Emilia-Romagna and Umbria
The voters of Emilia Romagna and Lombardy and Umbria have until 15 p.m. on Monday, November 18, to vote for new regional governors. Voting began on Sunday at 7 a.m.
- In Umbria, current governor Donatella Tesei of the League party faces Stefania Proietti, mayor of Assisi and candidate supported by a center-left coalition that includes the Democratic Party (PD) and the 5 Star Movement (M5S).
- In Emilia Romagna, the dispute is between Elena Ugolini, from the center-right, and Michele De Pascale, mayor of Ravenna and member of the PD.
The elections are seen as a key test for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition, which hopes to retain control of Umbria but faces difficulties in Emilia-Romagna, a traditional left-wing stronghold.
Giorgia Meloni in Brazil for the G20
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is in Brazil to participate in the G20 in Rio de Janeiro.
Meloni’s agenda includes speeches on combating poverty, energy transition and sustainable development. On Monday, she will address food security, highlighting Italy’s historic commitment to the most vulnerable nations. On Tuesday, she will speak on energy and sustainability.
Tuesday, November 19th
Public transport strike in Palermo
Residents of Palermo, Sicily, could face delays or cancellations on public transport from 10am to 14pm. The strike by employees of local bus operator Amat is supported by seven unions, who are demanding better contractual conditions and a hiring plan to deal with the driver shortage.
The company has not yet announced which services will be guaranteed during the shutdown.
Wednesday, November 20rd
National strike in the health sector
Doctors, nurses and other health care workers will hold a 24-hour strike on Wednesday. Non-emergency services, such as appointments and tests, may be canceled or postponed.
The strike, called by unions such as Anaao, Cimo and Nursing Up, denounces the lack of professionals and the underfunding of the sector. Emergency services, such as urgent surgeries, intensive care and ambulances, will be maintained.
Giorgia Meloni's visit to Argentina
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrives in Buenos Aires as part of an official visit.
Details of the schedule have not been released, but she is expected to visit the Italian Embassy and meet with Argentine President Javier Milei.
Thursday, November 21rd
Madonna della Salute Festival in Venice
One of the most important cultural events in Venice, the Madonna of Salute Festival celebrates the intervention of the Virgin Mary in the plague epidemic of 1631. Thousands of people visit the Basilica della Salute and taste typical dishes, such as castradina (mutton and cabbage stew).
Sunday, November 24
Florence Marathon
The 40th edition of the Florence Marathon will start and finish in the beautiful Piazza del Duomo. Participants will cover 42,2 km, passing iconic landmarks such as Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River.
Closing of the Venice Biennale
The last day to visit the 60th edition of the Venice Biennale, which had the theme “Foreigners Everywhere”. The exhibition was curated by Adriano Pedrosa, director of the São Paulo Museum of Art.
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