Italian Clubs, Events, Lifestyle; Travel Italy

The State finals for “Miss Italia USA 2009” contest will be starting on Saturday January 10, 2009.

The winners of the “Miss Italia USA” State competitions” will participate to “Miss Italia nel Mondo“. Miss Italia nel Mondo is a contest celebrating annually the beauty of women of Italian heritage from around the world.

Italian-American women who reside in the United States are invited to compete for the crown beginning in individual State competitions (read more details about “Miss Italia nel Mondo” contest and on how to participate).

Below the calendar of the individual State competitions.

FINALS March 21-28, 2009 on a fabulous cruise aboard the MSC Orchestra.
In order to join Miss Italia USA 2009 click here.

A quick guide to things not to be missed while visiting Rome during the Christmas festivities.

- The representation of the Nativity Scene in Vaticano — Presepe di piazza San Pietro, which is being set on the St. Peter Basilica’s parvis.

- One Hundred Nativity Scenes is an annual Christmas crib exhibition, held at the Sala del Bramante at Piazza del Popolo. It features around 200 pieces by Italian and foreign artists, ranging from the classical Neapolitan and Sicilian cribs of the 17th and 18th centuries to more contemporary styles.

- Among the Christmas markets, strongly suggested is the Piazza Navona’s. There is where you can better experience the flavour of the festivities in Rome; it runs through January 6.

- Among the Piazzas and areas better decorated: Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Campidoglio, and the Pincio.

- - The Roma Gospel Festival is a 10-day blues event (Dec 21 to 31) held at The Auditorium Parco della Musica and featuring some of the best spiritual and gospel music groups from the USA and around the world.

- The Christmas concert “Happy Chrismas from Rome” , held on December 22 at the Santa Maria Madre del Redentore Church.

- For New Year’s Eve in Rome, Piazza del Popolo is where celebrations are bigger and better with fireworks, rock and classical music concerts lasting well into the night.

With Roma Pass card, at as low as Euro 20, you are offered discounts on museum tickets (first two museums and archaeological sites you visit are free), concerts, theatre performances, and tourist attractions. Also you have free public transportation.

According to a survey by the U.S. Tour Operators Association (www.ustoa.travel), for Americans Italy is the number one destination for vacation packages and tours. Number two favorite destination is Egypt, followed by Latin America.

Business class deals on New York - Rome flights

Lufthansa launched a promotion for holiday season on Business Class flights between New York JFK and Rome.

The airline is offering business class seats each-way at $947 — exclusive of taxes and fees. The fare requires a round-trip purchase. You have to book no later than Dec. 26, 2008 and a seven-day in advance purchase is required.

Travel period: between Dec. 20 and Jan. 2, 2009; travel must take place mid-week.