Easter in the city of Lugano

Join the festive atmosphere of Easter in the City and explore the numerous intriguing and entertaining activities for young and old.

Every year Easter draws a myriad of vacationers and travelers to Lugano. In order to add some zest to the picturesque city center, the City of Lugano and their tourist center organize an event called "Pasqua in Città" (Easter in the City), which will take place from Friday, April 14th through Monday April 17th, 2017.

THROUGHOUT THE EVENT, THREE CUTE RABBITS WILL HAND OUT CHOCOLATE CANDIES PROVIDED BY MIGROS TICINO.

Here is a peak at the programme:

ENTERTAINMENT
14.04-17.04 / 10:00-18:30 / Piazza Manzoni
Wooden handmade games for all the family, creative workshops with recycled materials and face-painting.

FOLK MUSIC
14.04-17.04 / 13:30-18:00 / Centro Cittadino
Musical animation with Tacalà, Duo Nostranello, Tirabüscion and the Bagiöö.

EASTER MARKET
14.04-17.04 / 11:00-18:00 / Centro Cittadino

Over 100 stands with handicrafts, food and wine.

EGGS CHASE
15.04-17.04 / 10:30 - 16:00 / Piazza Manzoni
Treasure hunt for the whole family in the city centre, leaving from Piazza Manzoni. Those that find all the clues along the way will be given delicious chocolate eggs as a prize.

CONCERTS
14.04 / 14:30 / Piazza San Rocco
JUGENDMUSIK SCHWANDEN

15.04 / 15:00 / Piazza Luini - Piazza Dante
CORO CHIESA DI GESÙ CRISTO DEI SANTI DEGLI ULTIMI GIORNI

15.04 / 17:00 / Patio del Municipio - Piazza Riforma
FILARMONICA DI CASTAGNOLA - CONCERTO DI PASQUA

15.04 / 17:00 / Sala Teatro LAC
CONCERTO SPIRITUALE DEL SABATO SANTO
Con Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana e Coro della Radiotelevisione Svizzera

EASTER CELEBRATIONS
14.04 / 20:00 / Centro Cittadino
Via Crucis (start from S. Nicolao)

15.04 / 21:00 / Basilica del Sacro Cuore
Easter Vigil

16.04 / 09:30 / Chiesa Sant’Antonio
Easter Mass

Is Money the Curse of Art?

Don't miss the next intriguing appointment of the Franklin University Switzerland Lecture Series. Join them for a lecture by Dr. Thomas Girst, Head of Cultural Engagement of the BMW Group. The event is in English and is open to all.

Thomas Girst was born in Trier (DE) in 1971. Following studies in art history, American Studies and German Literature at Hamburg University and New York University, in 2000 he became research manager of the Art Science Research Laboratory in New York. During the same period he was also cultural correspondent for German daily Die Tageszeitung.

As a curator, he organized numerous exhibitions, including “Alive and Kicking: the Collages of Charles Henri Ford” at the Scene Gallery in New York as well as “Marcel Duchamp in Munich 1912” at the Lenbachhaus in Munich.

Since 2003, Dr. Girst is global Head of Cultural Engagement at the BMW Group and is responsible for the strategy, implementation and supervision of hundreds of long-term partnerships in the fields of art, music, design and architecture with major institutions as well as artists worldwide. He teaches at the Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich, as well as at the Academy of Applied Sciences in Zurich.

In 2016, Dr. Girst received the international “European Cultural Manager of the Year” award.

Venue: Lecture by Dr. Thomas Girst: "Is Money the Curse of Art?"
Where: Franklin University Switzerland, Via Ponte Tresa 29, Sorengo
When: Tuesday, March 28th, 2017
Time: 19:00 to 21:00
Entry is free. A reception will follow the lecture.

How art historians constructed "Swiss art"

"Swiss art" has always been a risky concept; however there is virtually no other country on earth with as many museums per capita as Switzerland. Even with its numerous galleries and internationally famous fairs, the Swiss maintain their modesty on the subject.

Join Dr. Fayet as he discusses the construction of "Swiss Art" from 1876, when Johann Rudolf Rahn published his History of the Fine Arts in Switzerland, down to the present day.

Roger Fayet was born in Zurich in 1966. From 1994 to 1999 he was Assistant Curator at the Johann Jacobs Museum, Zurich. From 1999 to 2003 he was Head Curator of the Museum Bellerive and the applied arts collection of the Museum für Gestaltung, Zurich. In 2003 he was appointed Director of the Museum zu Allerheiligen, Schaffhausen. Since 2010 he has worked as Director of the Swiss Institute for Art Research (SIK-ISEA), Zurich and Lausanne. Fayet teaches the University of Zurich and at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). From 2009 to 2015 he was President of the Swiss National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Switzerland), and he is currently Vice President of the International Association of Research Institutes in the History of Art (RIHA).

Now that's what I call an impressive CV. This promises to be an extraordinary evening and an opportunity for all art lovers that is not to be missed!

Venue: How art historians construct(ed) "Swiss art"
Where: Franklin University Switzerland, Nielsen Auditorium, Via Ponte Tresa 29, 6924 Sorengo
When: Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry is free. The event is in English and open to all.

Annual Family Fun Fair 2016

Don't miss the biggest event during the holiday season in Lugano. It's happening this Sunday at the Hotel Pestalozzi!

The 4th annual Family Fun Fair will be the best yet! A great family outing worth noting in your calendars.

There will be activities for children all day including a visit from Santa, caroling, and some workshops of interest to parents and children alike.

Learn about local businesses, pick up some holiday gifts, and visit the Food Court for tasty treats.

Each family will be given a Goodie Bag with a children's holiday craft, information for parents, and special offers! It’s all free and open to the public.

A special thanks goes to the main sponsor The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) as well to the International Women's Club go Lugano for the great support.

Venue: Family Fun Fair 2016 - Christmas Edition
Where: Hotel Pestalozzi, Piazza Indipendenza 9, 6900 Lugano
When: Sunday, December 4th, 2016
Time: 10:00-16:00

Take a peek at the programme:

Christmas market at St. Edward's Church

Get ready for some Christmas spirit in the festive setting of Casa Benson these next two Sundays. Coffee and light snacks will be on sale after the service since the St Edward’s Church community love to socialise.

Enjoy a glass of mulled wine in a Christmas atmosphere whilst browsing amongst a selection of stalls with homemade traditional specialities such as cakes, puddings and preserves.

Venue: Christmas market of The Anglican Church of St. Edward
Where: Casa, Benson, Via Clemente Maraini 6, 6900 Lugano
When: Sunday 20th and 27th November
Time: 12:00 to 15:00
All proceeds go to the ministry of St. Edward’s Church

For more Information visit: www.stedwards.ch

2016 U.S. Presidential Elections - The Results

The Franklin University Switzerland (FUS) is pleased to host an event open to the public to reflect upon communication strategies, the political side and the economic implications of the 2016 U.S. election campaign.

This event, in English, is held in the aftermath of the election of the new U.S. President at 7pm on Tuesday, November 15th at the Franklin Nielsen Auditorium in Sorengo. The speakers will delve into the new scenarios that the President-elected will face in such a delicate international, economic and political scenario. Moderator is Mr. Gerardo Morina, a columnist on international politics and former head of foreign news for the Corriere del Ticino.

A reception will follow. Could be quite an interesting evening!

Venue: 2016 U.S. Presidential Elections - The Results
Where: Franklin University, Via Ponte Tresa 29, 6900 Sorengo
Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

This event will be streamed live on https://www.youtube.com/user/USIUniversity

The World's Biggest Eye Contact Experiment

On Saturday the 29th of October, 2016 hundreds of thousands of people from around the world – from Tel Aviv to Melbourne – will stand united in eye contact. It is the official date for the World's Biggest Eye Contact Experiment, a global event inspiring the world to share authentic eye contact and connection in public. Last year over 100,000 people from over 156 different cities were involved.

The Liberators International are the global organisers of this event. They are a peaceful international social movement founded in Perth, Australia and are passionate about creating participatory public demonstrations for peace and videos that allow us to see that beyond our differences there is love and humanity.

Why?
“Our global society has become thirsty for true connection and this experience allows you to be the change you wish to see in the world by creating an authentic, loving and respectful platform for human connection to flourish in public.”

Your participation in this global event demonstrates that beyond our differences there is love and humanity. You will be representing your country on this incredible day and what happens will forever change the social fabric of the present and future. Sign up here.

The only Ticino event is awaiting clearance for Locarno. Stay tuned with this list of participating cities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dycjvpldFI8jhsgpkYO2CWBXCseKqRwnKLgQ_UQABRE/mobilebasic

For more info click here: http://www.eyecontactexperiment.com

Locarno's International Film festival is on this week

Just for one week  - but for over 70 years - the Film Festival has been transforming Locarno into the Swiss capital of cinema. From morning until late at night crowds from all across the globe enjoy this festival with its intoxicating atmosphere spreading throughout cinemas, squares, bars and the Piazza of the Festival.

The main feature of the festival is the open-air screening area at the Piazza Grande with room for over 8,000 spectators, featuring one of the largest open-air screens in the world (26x14 metres).

Even if you haven't managed to buy movie tickets, don’t miss the opportunity to relax and have fun between the screenings. Just go with the flow and experience Ticino's summer vibes at their best. The entire Ascona-Locarno region with its lake, rivers, botanical gardens, valleys and mountains will offer you unforgettable moments.

For further information, the program, tickets and passes we invite you to visit the festival website www.pardo.ch.

Venue:Locarno Fim Festival
Where: Piazza Grande, 6600 Locarno
Date:  From 03.08.2016 to 13.08.2016
www.pardolive.ch
Click here for a detailed programme: www.pardolive.ch/pardo/program

Swiss National Day

August 1st is a day of celebration in the whole of Switzerland. The date is inspired by the Rütlischwur, in the summer of 1291, when three Alpine cantons (Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden) swore the oath of confederation, an action which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

Different commemorative ceremonies will take place in Lugano, culminating in the speech of a prestigious guest in the Piazza della Riforma and a big fireworks show along the lake.

Here is the programme:

06:00 Reveille with the Drums
10:15 Meeting of the authorities in the Patio of the Town Council
10:30 Laying of the wreath at the Monument of Independence
11:00 Concert of the Castagnola Philharmonic Orchestra in Piazza della Riforma
20:30 Meeting of the Authorities and Associations of Via Nassa
20:45 Departure of the cortege of the Authorities (Route: Via Nassa, Piazza Battaglini, Riva Vela, Rivetta Tell, Via Canova, Via degli Albrizzi, Piazza Manzoni, Piazza Riforma)
21:15 Commemorative speech of Piero Martinoli, President of Università della Svizzera italiana
21:45 Concert in Piazza della Riforma by the Civic Philharmonic of Lugano
22:30 Grand fireworks display
23:15 Musical entertainment with Lüganiga Band in the city centre

More details under: http://luganoturismo.ch/fileUpload/activities/1529/a5_festa_nazionale_2016_boom_web.pdf

1. August Brunch 2016

Switzerland's National holiday is approaching fast.

The 1.August Brunch has become a popular activity on our National Day. For the past 23 years Swiss farmers have been inviting city dwellers (Swiss and foreign alike) for brunch on a farm. Last year over 150'000 guests enjoyed the culinary adventure offered by 350 farms throughout Switzerland of which 51 in Ticino. Through this movement the farmers' families wish to promote a better understanding and sympathy of local agriculture by the city population.

 The 1. August Brunch is an occasion that one should not miss. Hosted by selected Swiss farms who offer you a brunch, they will provide you with the opportunity to taste different kinds of cheese, meat, milk, bread, Birchermüesli and many other gastronomic specialities in a very particular atmosphere.

You'll also have the certainty to try some excellent products with high quality standard's. If you're lucky you'll enjoy some typical Swiss music, meet a Swiss celebrity, be served out of a giant Roesti frying pan or admire some amazing National costumes. The kids will love all the direct contact with the farms' animals.

Book now for a brunch in one of the farms! Click here to find a list of Ticino's participating farmers.
For a detailed guide with info such as activities, animals or produce for sale click on the following link: http://www.agriturismo.ch/chi_siamo/brunch_del_1_agosto_2016

My favourite used to be Alpe Durango at the top of Monte Tamaro but sadly they are not participating this year. My friends recommend the two farms on top of Monte Generous.

As places in the farms are limited, registration is mandatory and better done early. You can register by telephoning or e-mailing the farmers directly before July 30th 2016. There are still quite a few spots left as of this morning. Please communicate how many children and adults you'll be.

Venue: 1.August Brunch
When: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 9:00 - 13:00
Price: CHF 25.- to 40.-
Directions: All participating farms will be signposted with the logo: «Brunch»
For more info:
Tel: 056 462 52 03 on workdays from 8:00 bis 12:00 and from 13.00 to 17:00
or  091/851 90 97091/851 90 97 for the Ticino.
E-Mail: info@brunch.ch
Homepage: www.brunch.ch

Celebrating the opening of the world’s longest railway tunnel: the Gotthard!

Tomorrow, on 1st June 2016, 17 years after the first blast in the main shaft, the world’s longest railway tunnel will officially open.

To celebrate the momentous occasion, Switzerland will invite guests of honour from Switzerland and abroad to the opening event and welcome the entire population for an unforgettable public festival.

An opening ceremony befitting the grand scale of the project will present Swiss values such as innovation, precision and reliability to the world. During the following weekend on 4 and 5 June 2016, the anticipated 50,000 to 100,000 visitors will be offered a unique programme at the festival sites on either end of the 57-kilometre tunnel.

The highlights of the festival: tunnel rides with the Gotthard shuttle train at up to 200 km/h, presentations by Swiss artists and an interactive multimedia exhibition on the Gotthard.

On 4 and 5 June, the Swiss will be celebrating the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel – the world’s longest railway tunnel measuring 57 kilometres – at four different festival sites around the tunnel entrances.

The celebrations will be held at Erstfeld and Rynächt in the north and Pollegio and Biasca in the south. Admission to the festival sites is free, but you will need a ticket for the journeys through the tunnel on the Gottardo shuttle trains.

Be a part of this historic event and secure tickets for the Gottardo shuttle trains at www.sbb.ch/ticketshop or from the usual SBB sales points.

The special ticket, which includes the Gottardo shuttle train, is available as a round trip ticket and is valid from your home town. Before buying your tickets, you need to choose one of the routes. If you want to visit the festival sites in the south first and then travel north on the Gottardo shuttle train, choose the ticket option “Public transport ticket including south–north Gottardo shuttle train”, but if you want to start your round trip in the north and travel south on the Gottardo shuttle train, choose the option “Public transport ticket north–south”. It is only possible to travel through the Gotthard Base Tunnel in one direction; you must continue your journey via the Gotthard mountain route. Tickets are valid for one day.

Click here for the detailed programme with all the information about the festival and accompanying attractions, the Gottardo shuttles and how to get there and back.

Cantine Aperte: an open wine cellar weekend

Do you like a glass of wine with your meal? I do! Well, we are in for a passionate weekend...

Ticinowine, the Foundation for the promotion of Viticulture in Ticino, is organizing "Cantine Aperte" (Open Wineries), now at its 18th edition, with the aim of bringing the general public's attention to a sector that, thanks to its vitality, is gaining great interest. Well over 65 wineries will be participating in Cantine Aperte 2016.

For two days visitors will get the chance of crossing the threshold of important wineries that, in many cases, are true architectural gems. Here tradition and technology, combined with the skills and professionalism of the winemakers, allows the Ticino area to obtain a level of excellence in both the Swiss and international scenes.

Become familiar with the makers and their secrets, succumb to the passion that they put into producing quality wines, wines with labels that have raised Canton Ticino to land of oenological excellence.

The highly anticipated event should be the perfect mix of fun, thrills and exploration. My personal favourite would be la Tenuta Bally (http://www.tenutabally.ch). Tell me yours! ;)

Venue: "Cantine Aperte" (Open Wineries)
Where: Find a winery near you here: http://www.ticinowine.ch/uploads/PDF/Locandina
Date: Saturday 28th and Sunday, May 29, 2016
Time: 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
www.ticinowine.ch

Here you will find the complete and detailed schedule of the participating wineries, days and opening hours, side events and the opportunity to participate in the evening entertainment.

Switzerland's biggest brunch ever

Get ready for the May 1st brunch... because it's gonna be B I G!!!

The organizers of City Brunch have planned an event that will blow your mind away: to orchestrate the longest brunch table of Switzerland.

Their goal is to involve a large number of restaurant owners and producers to offer the widest variety of products, allowing everyone enjoy the good company, locals as well as tourists.

The event will take place on Sunday, May 1, 2016 along the lakeside promenade of Lugano. Ticket holders are invited to beautifully laid tables, which will be prepared near the buffet rich with typical products of the region.

However, the tickets are already sold out but you can win two tickets worth CHF 70.- by participating in the Citybrunch Instagram challenge. Publish your best brunch photo and get the most "like"s to win. Don't forget to hashtag #citybrunchlugano.

Venue: Switzerland's longest CITY BRUNCH in Lugano
Where: Riva Vincenzo Vela, 6900 Lugano
Date: Sunday, May 1st, 2016
Time: 10:30 - 15:30

The Lugano City Brunch will also be held in case of bad weather, keep posted for details. For more info write to: info@citybrunch.ch or click on http://www.citybrunch.ch

Spanish Wine degustation in Lugano

Back from Easter holidays? Looking forward to Spring kicking in? How about a little "ambiente española" to get you started?

Join the IWCL (International Women's Club Lugano) Evening Group for a lovely event with Nerida Detains from Sixth Sense Wine. Spanish tapas will be served and you'll get a chance to taste delicious Spanish wines. Discover new taste sensations with friends and learn how your food can taste even better with the right wine combinations.

Wine from CHF 8 per glass, tapas are included.

Venue: IWCL with Sixth Sense wine by Nerida Deganis
Where: Ristorante alla Foce, Via Foce 11, 6900 Cassarate, Lugano
Date: Thursday, April 7th, 2016
Time: 19:00
For more information please contact Nerida here: nerida@nerida.ch or 078 748 3618

Life is too short to drink bad wine.

The origin of Women's Day

The origin of International Women's Day (IWD) is drawn from more than one historical event and began as an acknowledgement of women's struggle to make their workplaces better. Created out of protest and political action, it is a symbol for all those who honour women's struggles to improve their lives.

Originally the day of remembrance symbolised the efforts to end appalling working conditions endured by women.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, many women in industrially-developing countries entered the labour force taking jobs with low wages, poor working conditions and little or no chance of improvement. Such conditions led to industrial disputes, involving both unionised and non-unionised women workers. It was their struggle that created the global impetus for an International Women's Day.

Today, it is also seen as a day of celebration of women, all that they do, and the accomplishments they have made. Women and men celebrate International Women's Day to honour those who began the struggle and those who continue to work for change and recognition of all efforts to improve the lives of women, both locally and globally.

Did you know that back in 1789, during the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for "liberty, equality, fraternity" demanded women's suffrage for the first time as they marched to Versailles?

The first recorded organised action by working women anywhere in the world took place in New York on March 8, 1857, when hundreds of women in the garment and textile factories staged a strike in protest of low wages, long working hours, inadequate pay, inhumane working conditions and the lack of the right to vote.

In 1917 in Russia, International Women’s Day acquired great significance – it was the flashpoint for the Russian Revolution. On March 8th women workers in Petrograd held a mass strike and demonstration demanding Peace and Bread. The strike movement spread from factory to factory and effectively became an insurrection. In 1922, in honour of the women’s role on IWD in 1917, Lenin declared that March 8th should be designated officially as women’s day.

The United Nations involvement principally began in 1977 when the General Assembly passed a resolution inviting each country to proclaim, in accordance with its historical and national traditions and customs, any day of the year as United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace.

Over 150 countries have so far ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, (CEDAW) legally committing themselves to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.

Here is a list of famous influential women who changed the world to share with your children and which will provide endless hours of discussion. It includes women’s rights activists, female poets, musicians, politicians, humanitarians and scientists: http://www.biographyonline.net/people/women-who-changed-world.html

Happy Women's Day

Marking World Down Syndrome Day

Come celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with PROJECT AVVENTUNO, a non-profit organization that through positivity, a strong network of alliances and clear goals wish to promote growth and development of people with Down syndrome.

PROJECT AVVENTUNO develops and provides services for

- Persons with Down syndrome,
- Families of children with Down syndrome,
- Professionals in contact with Trisomy 21,
- Organizations that share their goals,

Project Avventuno believes that the future of people with Trisomy 21 is full of opportunities, not limits. It is funded by associations and foundations to make sure each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder.

March 21, 2016 marks the 11th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day. A few days in advance Project Avventuno have organised an event you should not miss, especially if you understand Italian.

Venue: Project Avventuno FILM & APERICENA
Where: AULA MAGNA, SUPSI, Via Trevano, Canobbio
When: Friday, March 18th, 2016
PROGRAMME:
18:30 Welcome
19:00 Short presentation of the Project Avventuno's initiatives, followed by screening of the film "Figlia del Silenzio" in Italian
20:30 Aperò and open buffet
To reserve tickets contact: 076 421 12 31 or mail: info@avventuno.org
For more info click here: http://www.avventuno.org

What's with the sirens?

So we all know that the Swiss are extremely cautious citizens. They have the right protection for every possible situation. The prejudice that Switzerland is a country of insurance is absolutely true. The average Swiss household (2,23 persons) will spend approx. CHF 1700.-/month for mandatory insurance, including health insurance and contributions to social security or else CHF 20,400.- per year.
Did you know, however, that more than CHF 50 billion are spent each year for non-compulsory insurance, that's CHF 6588.- per head.

But it doesn't stop there.

Be prepared because on February 3rd, 2016 the annual test of the sirens will be held in Switzerland between 13:30 and 15:00. 8500 mobile and stationary civil-defense sirens which can alert 99% of the population, will be tested. Sirens for this alert have a regularly ascending and descending tone lasting a minute and repeated after a two-minute interval. Following that, the 700 water alarms, will resonate twelve low sounds lasting 20 seconds each between 14.15 and 15.00 in downstream areas of dams.

Every year, on the first Wednesday of February, Switzerland's sirens are tested. During this test, general alert sirens as well as the sirens near dams are tested to see if they are in working order. The population is informed of the test days ahead by radio, television, teletext and newspapers. The siren tests do not require the population to take any special measures.

Introduced during wartime, they are now used to alert the population to impending catastrophes or water dangers such as flooding. The population is instructed to inform those around them to proceed inside. Once inside, people are instructed to listen to emergency broadcasts made by the Swiss Radio and/or TV.

This is what it sounded like from my balcony in 2011:

English Movie night at Cinema Lux

Did you know there is an English Film Club in Lugano and that they are into their 36th season?

They offer a programme of films at the Cinema LUX in Massagno and hope the selection of different genres will appeal to the long-standing members as well as new ones.

The English Film Club usually tries to include some lesser known films along with the usual box-office successes. The films are all shown in English.

The price for a season ticket is CHF 60.- which covers the viewing of 10 films. The films usually  begin at 6:15 P.M

For more information contact them here via mail or to buy tickets call the Cinema LUX directly at 091/967'30'39.

Tomorrow's featured film is called Still Alice directed by Richard Glatzer & Wash Westmoreland
Drama | USA, France | 2014 | 101'
With Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart

Alice Howland is a renowned linguistics professor happily married with three grown children. All that begins to change when she strangely starts to forget words and then more. When her doctor diagnoses her with Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease, Alice and her family's lives face a harrowing challenge as this terminal degenerative neurological ailment slowly progresses to an inevitable conclusion they all dread. Along the way, Alice struggles to not only to fight the inner decay, but to make the most of her remaining time to find the love and peace to make simply living worthwhile.

A movie definitely worth watching!

Venue: English Film Club featuring the film "Still Alice"
Where: Cinema Lux, Via Giuseppe Motta 61, 6900 Lugano
Date: Friday, January 29th, 2016
Time: 18:15

Workshop: Turning the Gears of Confidence

Confidence is a skill.

Feeling inspired? Interested in a workshop? Maria-José Horstkamp, Ambassador of InterNations, offers a workshop with specific, concrete steps to build self confidence and raise self-esteem.

Just visualize entering 2016 in the right mindset, empowered to reach your potential and make powerful positive changes in your life. No more hiding, no more insecurities, no more excuses.

Well, this is your opportunity. Join Maria-José for an interesting evening at the Franklin University with the following agenda:

- The Foundation of Confidence
- Mindset
- Group Activities
- Light refreshment

Venue: Turning the gears of Confidence workshop
Place: Franklin University Switzerland, Via Ponte Tresa 29, Sorengo
Date: Monday, January 25, 2016
Time: 6:45 PM to 9:00 PM
Price: CHF 35.-
Price includes Course, material + light refreshments

Please confirm attendance with Maria-José Horstkamp by e-mailing: kyla_deiss@hotmail.com.

Natale a Lugano 2015

Are you ready for a change of scenery in down town Lugano? This month the city has changed its dress with the installation of Christmas lights, colours, sounds and music. The year's most exciting holiday is celebrated with the opening of the traditional markets, an artificial ski slope, a skating rink, and a kiddies' village. Concerts, entertainment, a great New Year's Eve open-party and many other events will lead up to January 6th, culminating in the the magic Epiphany in the city centre.

The Christmas Village at Parco Ciani
From Saturday, November 28th to Sunday, January 10th, Parco Ciani becomes a magical Christmas village dedicated to all children. An enchanted place in which to hang out and experience the unbelievable magic of the celebration most loved by all children.  You'll also be able to skate on the artificial ice rink and have tea with Santa Claus.

Lugano Snowland
The Swiss Snowsports School of Lugano is celebrating its 80th anniversary, and in collaboration with the City of Lugano, it is proud to bring snow in the middle of la pizza. Every child between 3 and 12 years old will have an exceptional opportunity to get a mini-lesson with a ski or snowboard instructor right in the heart of the city. The equipment is included in the price and available on site. Along with the snow-covered ramp, visitors will find a lively village offering a number of other activities and amusements for people of all ages.

The Christmas Market in the town centre's main streets
The traditional Christmas market offers gift ideas, art-products, crafts, decorations, as well as many traditional local gastronomic specialties. From November 28th to December 11th the Christmas market will be hosted in via Nassa and Piazza Riforma. From December 12th to December 24th the market will stretch over the entire city centre. Don't miss it!

Light of peace 2015
On the third Sunday of Advent (13.12.), the Light of Peace will come together in Lugano, Zurich, Basel and Freiburg. At 16:30, the Scouts bearing the symbolic torch leave Piazza della Riforma making their way through the city’s historical centre, to reach Piazza San Carlo at 17:00 where it will remain until December 24th. The ceremony will be accompanied by a children's choir.