Italian News Features US Army
The Italy–America Friendship Festival, scheduled to take place in Vicenza from Sept. 12–14, has opened online reservations for attendees. The festival, featuring more than 30 free events such as lectures, concerts, tastings, and workshops, aims to celebrate the cultural, artistic, and culinary exchanges between Italy and the United States over the centuries. The event will include appearances by notable figures like Federico Faggin, Alessandro Vanoli, and Andy Luotto, in addition to a special tribute concert to Ennio Morricone and wine masterclasses. Most events are free until reaching the maximum capacity of 200 seats, thanks to generous sponsor support.
However, residents in Vicenza are currently facing significant disruptions due to the temporary closure of the Vicenza station as part of Italy’s high-speed rail modernization project lasting until Aug. 25. Only the Treviso line operates during this period, while other routes to Verona, Grisignano, and Schio are being serviced by replacement buses. The closure has caused considerable inconvenience for commuters, who are encountering long delays, ticketing confusion, and traffic-related slowdowns, reminiscent of the early days of the pandemic. Local businesses located in the station premises are experiencing a sharp decline in foot traffic, amplifying the economic impact of the station’s closure. The transit disruption is part of a broader €100 billion investment by the FS Group to transform Italy’s rail network, with the Vicenza segment crucial for the high-speed corridor connecting Verona, Vicenza, and Padua.
In another development, the San Lazzaro neighborhood in Vicenza is set to undergo significant demolition by the end of this month as part of the TAV high-speed rail project’s second phase, known as Attraversamento Vicenza. Several residential complexes in the area, including the apartment building at 23/25 Viale San Lazzaro, are slated for demolition, altering the neighborhood’s visual landscape. While the demolition activities are contained within private property boundaries and will not disrupt traffic flow, it represents a notable transformation for local residents on an emotional level. Meanwhile, Vicenza Railway Station is undergoing upgrades, including the dismantling of platform shelters to accommodate underground parking facilities and enhanced track access in line with the high-speed rail project requirements.
Elsewhere in the region, sunflowers are currently in full bloom, casting a picturesque scene across the countryside between Vicenza, Costabissara, Caldogno, and Monteviale. The vibrant yellow flowers have attracted numerous spectators armed with cameras and smartphones to capture the captivating sight. Popular locations for sunflower viewing include areas near the cemetery in Motta di Costabissara, although visitors are reminded to respect private property boundaries as sunflower fields are cultivated for agricultural purposes. Visitors are advised to refrain from entering fields or causing damage to crops while enjoying the natural beauty of the sunflowers.