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

Magic tour around the lake of Lugano

Apart from Lugano itself, there are other places on the shores of Lake Lugano that are worth seeing. The best way is by ship, visiting one of the attractions of the region or dropping in for lunch in a typical grotto. There’s no better way to relax and enjoy your day.

From 8th April 2017, you can enjoy the new boat tours, for example the Magic Tour with four different stops: Leaving Lugano for the romantic village of Gandria and the Cantine di Gandria with the Museo delle Dogane then to Melide, where you can visit the Swissminiatur, the well-known park of Switzerland in a scale from 1:25 or walk along the lake to Bissone all the way to Morcote. This peaceful lakeshore village was once entirely devoted to fishing and is the winner of the contest for "the most beautiful village in Switzerland".

Check out the other lake tours Lugano has to offer: www.luganoturismo.ch

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.

What does it mean to live together in Switzerland?

Why are rubbish bags in Switzerland different colours? Where can you play sports, and what do you need to know when looking for a job or going to school? These are some of the questions newcomers to Switzerland are confronted with. A new app from swissinfo.ch and the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation provides the answers through an interactive quiz game and online resources.

“Together”, as the app is called, is available for free in seven languages: English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic. It allows users to test their knowledge, learn new information and challenge other players in 10 quiz categories ranging from jobs to Swiss landmarks.

The app contains more than 300 questions with more questions and categories to be released in the coming weeks and months. Users who have more questions of their own about daily life in Switzerland can submit those to the team behind the appexternal link to have them researched, answered and included in the quiz. How cool is that?!?

Swissinfo.ch and the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation decided to produce the “together” app to address newcomers’ desire to integrate into Swiss society and learn more about daily life in the country. Its content is largely based on swissinfo.ch’s “Switzerland How To” external link offering, which provides information about daily life in Switzerland in 10 languages. So, if you haven't checked it out yet hop over and go browsing!

Together is a playful way to test your knowledge, learn new things and find useful information. Together, we are Switzerland.

Do you have Expat DNA?

My love for infographics is obvious. ExpatChild published one on Expat DNA which has been around for a while but is worth deciphering. Which Expat are you?

Breaking down the Expat DNA:

What makes a great expat:
The ability to adapt to change – being flexible.
Keeping an open mind on the people and cultures that you encounter.
Learning & Speaking the local language.
Living, eating and going about life like the locals do and enjoying it : Being local.
Keen to observe and absorb the sights, sounds, smells and sensations that the world has to offer.
Open to new experiences and learning something new everyday.

Bad expat DNA:
Doesn’t stop complaining (Language is too hard, people are too rude or different).
Prefer to mingle only with expats who are similar to themselves.
Not making an effort to try the local foods or adhere to local customs.
Lead their lives like they did in their home country: resistant to change.
Gets homesick at the first thought of their home country.

Irrelevant DNA:
Being a well travelled individual has no bearing on being an expat. First time expats have just as much fun.
Have a high paying job – not a prerequisite to leading a fun and happy expat life.

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:

Halloween parties around Lugano

Halloween Party in Bissone:
The parents' association of Bissone is organizing a Halloween party at the Lido di Bissone on Saturday, October 29th starting at 17:30. It is free and is for children as well as adults. All that is asked of you is to bring something for the buffet table (aperitivo or dolce). There will be a DJ and he seems to be very good.

Date: Saturday, October 29th, 2016
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: Lido di Bissone, Piazza Francesco Borromini 1, 6816 Bissone
Cost: free, bring a dish
Contact: Associazione genitori di Bissone

Come celebrate Halloween at All For Kids in S. Antonino:
On Sunday, October 30th find activities for the kids, and refreshments for all at All for Kids Showroom in S. Antonino. Parents can mingle and shop while children play games or make crafts in the new expanded Showroom space. Stop by for a short time or stay all afternoon. Open to the public so feel free to spread the word. Every child in a costume will receive a FREE gift!

Date: Sunday, 30th October 2016
Time: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: All For Kids Showroom, Via Cimitero 21, 6592 Sant'Antonino
Cost: Free
Contact: Robin Bognuda at 091 580 30 82

Halloween on the lake of Lugano:
How about spending a fun afternoon cruising the lake of Lugano? On Monday, October 31st leaving at 14:30 you can enjoy a two hour scary tour with your kids: Make-up and games are included. Make sure to reserve beforehand at sales@lakelugano.ch or call 091/ 971 52 23.

Date: Monday, 31st October 2016
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: Crociera Halloween, Lago di Lugano
Cost: CHF 22.- (adults), CHF 10.- (kids)
Contact: Società navigazione del Lago di Lugano at 091/ 971 52 23

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The autumn flavours of Ticino

Ticinese cuisine, which is closely related to that of Lombardy, is, like in all regional gastronomies, the result of a continuous process that lies somewhere between evolution and preservation.

The poor and monotonous food of the last centuries, when the majority of the Ticinese people lived off chestnuts, polenta and potatoes, slowly became richer. New food, flavours and recipes came into the picture with the changing of the times, also thanks to Ticinese immigrants that brought back different culinary ideas from the countries they visited.

At the same time, however, Ticinese cuisine preserved several of its characteristics: the use of genuine products, the simplicity of dishes tied to the rural world and the fondness for tasty flavours. Today it proposes dishes prepared according to the recipes that have been handed down from one generation to another but also the modern re-visitation of traditional recipes.

The following are among some of the most renowned and appreciated Ticinese dishes: minestrone, pumpkin soup and “busecca”, risotto, roasted meats (rabbit, kid), and polenta with Luganighetta sausage or brasato (braised meat), baked, sautéd or marinated fish from the river or lake.

Among drinks, besides local red and white wines, there is fresh and thirst quenching lemonade called gazzosa but also grappa and ratafià (also called nocino), a liqueur made from walnuts of which, they say, only friars know the original recipe.

Sunday lunch at Grotto al Mulino

Served with heart: Vellutata di zuccha

Brasato con polenta and a boccalino of Merlot ticinese

Click here for a list of grotto: http://ticinoatavola.ch

Switzerland's most beautiful village is in Ticino

More than 31,000 Swiss took part in the competition organized by the country’s four public television stations and the magazines Schweizer Illustrierte, l’Illustré and il caffè.

Out of 12 finalists, Morcote won hands-down. The runners up were Ardez in Lower Engadine, Binn in Lower Valais and St Ursanne in the canton of Jura with its medieval centre.

Situated a few kilometres from Lugano, the village of 770 inhabitants actually belongs to the Paradiso administrative district. Who knew?

The most beautiful village competition has been going since 2011, last year’s winner was Soglio in the canton of Graubünden, and in 2014 the canton Fribourg village of Gruyères scooped the prize.

Take a minute to enjoy the pictures of Switzerland's four most beautiful villages and click here: http://www.leplusbeauvillage.ch/it#accueil

Explore the land of chestnut trees

The chestnut tree trail winds through the woods and explores the land of chestnut trees! Besides revealing woods, crops, chestnut trees, the trail accompanies you through pleasant surroundings and a harmonious landscape where nature stands out in all its splendour.

The itinerary offers you several panoramic spots and the possibility of admiring the architectural details of certain picturesque villages that this very special excursion joins together. Several didactic points, simply marked on the ground and amply illustrated in a separate brochure, may be found along the way. You can even cover just short legs of this trail.

Join the local tradition and pick some chestnuts along the way for arts and crafts. Have fun!

Details
Difficulty: easy
Km: 11
Elevation difference: 215 m
Duration: 4-5 h
Itinerary: Arosio-Mugena-Vezio-Fescoggia-Breno-Caroggio-Arosio
Important: All of the locations along this path may be reached by using public transportation.
For more info click here: http://www.luganoturismo.ch/

A date with the mycological society of Lugano

It is a Swiss tradition to go mushroom picking in the woods. But how to tell the good ones from the bad ones?

Well, one way is to bring them to your local pharmacy. Yes, mushroom selecting is just one of the many services a pharmacist is trained to do in Switzerland. Click here for the list: http://www.vapko.ch

You could also attend a lecture at the local school of Montagnola where a mushroom specialist will explain and show you the good ones from the bad ones for adult and kids!

Adriano Sassi who speaks Italian, French and English is a VAPKO expert and president of the Scientific Society Commission. He will lecture on the following themes:

• What are mushrooms?
• Observe to determine
• Main species and their habitats
• Mushrooms: their shape, habitat and growth.

Adriano Sassi will answer questions from the audience. You can bring your mushroom collection and have them checked by an expert.

Venue: Ticino's mushrooms
Where: Centro Scolastico Montagnola, Aula Magna,  6926 Montagnola
Date: Thursday, September 29th, 2016
Time: 20:00
The event is free!

Mondo Bimbi a Lugano

Given the weather forecast which does not bid well, why not check out play areas, arts & crafts activities, labs, workshops and commercial stands for children and family at MondoBimbi?

MondoBimbi is for parents-to-be, Mums and Dads, Grannies and Grandpas as well as for everyone who is looking for new ideas about children.

At MondoBimbi you can find all you need to know about pregnancy, babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school age children.

Venue: Mondo Bimbi
Where: Centro Esposizioni Lugano, Via Campo Marzio, 6900 Lugano
Date: Friday, September 16 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
Saturday, September 17 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday, September 18 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Price: Ticket Fr. 10.-, Children under 12 years and AVS free of charge
For more info click here: http://www.mondo-bimbi.ch

Join the first Ticino Instameet

Lugano Turismo and other local tourism boards, have the pleasure to invite you to join them for an Instameet in Ticino, Switzerland on September. 4th with world-renowned adventure photographer Chris Burked who will be hosting the meet. This is a great opportunity to encounter the legendary American outdoor photographer and explorer and capture amazing photographs in the sunniest canton of Switzerland.

In a nutshell, an Instameet is where people meet in pre-determined place at a set time, to take photos (sometimes doing a photo walk) then upload them to Instagram.

This instameet will last the whole day: after having assembled in Lugano, you’ll do a photo walk along the lake, visiting the church Santa Maria degli Angioli and the Parco Ciani.

You’ll then take the train to Bellinzona, where you will visit the city centre and the castles, starting from the city hall.

You will then travel by train to Locarno and take the funicular up to the beautiful church Madonna del Sasso, in Orselina. From there you will walk back towards Piazza Grande in Locarno, ending the day with a drink at Kursaal Locarno.

At the end of the day, Chris Burkard will choose 10 winning photos among the ones uploaded during the day.

Everyone is Welcome! If you haven’t pre-registered here, simply come to the meeting points and register on-site (ask for Laura!)

Venue: Instameet Ticino
Date: Sunday, September 4th, 2016
Time: 8.45 AM, in front of LAC Lugano, Piazza Bernardino Luini 6, 6900 Lugano.
Other meeting points:
Bellinzona: FFS train station Bellinzona 11:55 am;
Locarno: FFS train station Locarno 14:45 pm

In the meantime, follow the action on Instagram:
Team #TicinoInstameet:
@ticinoturismo @luganoturismo @ascona_locarno @otrbellinzonesealtoticino @MySwitzerland @FlySwiss @chrisburkard

Switzerland and Modern Diplomacy lecture

Back from vacation? Ready to start the new school year? Don't miss the opening lecture of the Fall 2016 Lecture Series at Franklin University Switzerland by Ambassador Pio Wennubst, Assistant Director General and Head of the Global Cooperation Department at the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation.

Ambassador Wennubst was born in Lugano in 1961 and has extensive experience in development diplomacy based on extensive field work in areas such as rural development, microfinance and public health. He joined the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in 1995 and was initially posted to Bolivia and subsequently to Madagascar where he was tasked with reorganizing Swiss development cooperation activities. From 2008 to 2011, he was the deputy permanent representative of the Swiss mission to the Rome-based UN agencies. He later joined the Swiss permanent mission to the UN in New York as head of the economic and social development team, and currently manages the Global Cooperation Department as Assistant Director General of the SDC.

Now, this promises plenty of interesting aspects to learn about Modern Diplomacy and Switzerland.

Venue: Switzerland and Modern Diplomacy by Ambassador Pio Wennubst
Where: Franklin University Switzerland, Nielsen Auditorium, Via Ponte Tresa 29, Sorento
Date: Thursday, September 1st, 2016
Time: 19:00 to 20:00

A romantic walk through Gandria

You can’t really say you’ve visited Lugano unless you’ve visited the romantic hamlet of Gandria. In this magic and incredibly charming location, you’ll be able to take a dive into the past and discover how the fishermen and the inhabitants of the lake used to live. In the company of a guide you will navigate Lake Ceresio on board of a boat, which will wait for your return, while you leisurely stroll up and down the village streets. All set to go?

Meeting point is every Monday in front of the Information office Palazzo Civico at 13:40.

You can register and receive your voucher for CHF 10.- ( Kids: CHF 6.-) at Info Points Ente Turistico del Luganese, the Palazzo Civico, the Agno Airport or Lugano's train station. The tour finishes at 17:40.

For more info call Tel. +41 (0)91 605 12 26 or e-mail to info@luganoturismo.ch
Looking for other guided tours? Click here: http://www.agendalugano.ch

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

Yoga at the bagno pubblico

What better way to see out the month of July than to enjoy a relaxing yoga session with a spectacular view onto the lake of Lugano?

Join Kat Walser as she practices yoga al fresco along the lake tomorrow morning at the Bagno pubblico!

Bring your mat and soak in the beauty of nature in front of you: the lake, the mountains, the sky… while Yoga Roof’s beautiful teacher guides you in a peaceful and regenerating practice.

All levels are welcome.

Spread the news, bring a friend: this is a great opportunity to try yoga and enjoy the practice in unbeatable surroundings.

Venue: Yoga al fresco
Where: Bagno pubblico Lugano, Riva Caccia , 6900 Lugano
Date: Sunday, July 30th, 2016
Time: 9:00 - 10:00
Price: CHF 6.- for Riva Caccia entrance, the yoga class is free!

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

A charming lake hike to beat the heat

Hiking is a Swiss National sport. Here is a suggestion for lovely day's outing through the picturesque Val Piora via a pleasant round hike over the high plateau.

A whole bunch of beautiful mountain lakes, remnants of the last ice age, are scattered throughout the Piora tableland high above Levantine. The largest is the bluish-green Ritom lake, which lies at solely a half-hour’s hike from the mountain station of the amazingly steep funicular railway. A small gravel path leads firstly to the western end of the lake, and then along the northern shore to Cadagno di Fuori.

From there you can reach Alpe di Piora either directly or via a delightful looping trail that runs through the moorland landscape surrounding the Cadagno lake.

The delicious Piora cheese is made on this Alp of the same name and is known to be one of Switzerland’s most refined and sought-after delicacies. From the Cadagno hut the route leads through a small arc to the opposite side of the valley and then slightly upwards via Fontanella to the highest point of the tour, close to the Forca Pass.

Stop for a well-deserved rest around the Ritomsee lake and enjoy the fantastic views from the upper Levantine before you make your way back to the Piora mountain station. The route is about 12km and takes about 4 hours without stopping but trust me you will want to stop time and again to take pictures with your camera or in your mind. It is a truly unforgettable experience and well worth the hike!

Watch the video and feel the vibes: