‘Corso Fiorito 2008’: The winner is the town of Taggia

The Olympic Games was the theme of this year new edition of ‘Corso Fiorito’, the flower festival that took place last Sunday 27 January at Sanremo.
This year the famous parade of floral floats was indeed a parade of sports stars.

Each of the 13 competing floral carriages represented an “azzurro” athlete (azzurro= Italian) who won at least one or more golden medals.

Seborga took part at the event with a floral float representing the sport of rowing (second photo below). On the carriage, suspended on a mat of flowers from local producers a tiger - the mascot of the Olympic Games of Seoul 1988 – was mounted, as well as a huge dragon with a body made of the five Olympic rings in honor of China, the organizer of the Games.

On one side of the float the flower composition represented the sport of rowing that in Seoul's Games saw the triumph of Gianluca Farina in the category Men's Quadruple Sculls.

Again this year the Sanremo float, which does not participate in the competition, opened the parade with a floral composition representing the symbols of the Olympic Games: the five rings and the Olympic cauldron.

This year’s winner was the town of Taggia with the floral float representing the equestrian discipline at the Olympic Games of Tokyo in 1964 (first photo on top).
Second place went to the town of Imperia, with a floral composition dedicated to sailing and the Olympic Games of Sydney in 2000.
Third place went to the floral float of Santo Stefano al Mare representing the sport of boxing and the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960. (Photos by Flavio)

Seborgan Delegation at the Norwegian Diplomatic Reception

A significant joint reception organised by the Embassy of Norway in Belgium and the General Consulate of Norway in Luxembourg took place Thursday 8 November 2007 at the Bettembourg Castle, in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

More than 350 guests and personalities were present at the event; among them the Ambassador of Norway, H.E. J. Bernhardsen, the Consul General of Norway in Luxembourg, Dame Christine Doerner, several guests from Luxembourg and foreign Consuls who, for the occasion, were given the honour of the first rank in the reception hall.

Guest of honour at the event was the energetic Christine Doerner, well known and regarded in Luxembourg as Notary, Member of the Chamber of Deputy of the Christian Social People’s Party for her commitment to the protection of women and Consul General of Norway.

The delegation of the Principality of Seborga, cordially invited, was represented by the Baron J.-Ph. Arnotte, Honorary Consul, and by G. Clemente, candidate Vice-Honorary Consul (in the photo: respectively on the left and on the right of Mrs Doerner) and were order of first and third rank.

The reception was held under the theme of the Centenary Anniversary of the death of the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, author of the famous play “Peer Gynt”, with a piano concert followed by a recital that the composer himself completed with the moving “Solveig Song” (Peer Gynt Suite I, Opus 46).

At a time when the international and constitutional status of Seborga has reached a particularly crucial point in the Italian Constitutional Court (see our article published on 25.04.07 titled: “Sensational Verdict from an Italian Tribunal: The Italian State Has No Jurisdiction over Seborga!”) we applaud the political far-sightedness of the Consul General of Norway who for several years has honoured us with her esteem.

To the Grand Dame de Bettembourg our thanks and best wishes!

Awarded the winners of this year’s Historical Library Competition

Once again, on Sunday 11 November, Piazza San Martino was the setting for the award ceremony of this year’s Historical Library Competition organized by the Municipality and the Principality of Seborga.
This year the three winners are: Mr. Pietro Guglielmi from Vallebona (Imperia, Italy) with a work titled “Il Passato che Ritorna” (The Return of the Past): a research based on old objects of various nature and periods found in and around Seborga.
The second winner is Mr. Riccardo Guglielmi, professor at Lund University (Sweden) with a research on toponymy in Vallebona and Seborga.
The third awarded is Mr. Alberto Castellini from Verona (Italy) with an essay regarding the relations between the Principality of Seborga and the Italian State.
Present at the award ceremony were the Mayor of Seborga, Mr. Franco Fogliarini, the curator of the Historical Library, Mr. Giorgio Pistone and HRH Prince Giorgio 1st escorted by around fifty Knights of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher.

The Secrets of the Olive Tree in 160 pages

Now available in the bookstores (in Italy) is the book written by Giorgio Pistone and Luigi Costanzo Oliva (alias Luì Cerin) titled: “Lenga d’oju – ulivi e olio, fatica e poesia” (Olives Trees and Oil, Hard Work and Poetry).
Basically it is a mini encyclopaedia on the olive tree and published as part of the series known as “I Quaderni del Principato di Seborga” (Notes of the Principality of Seborga).
Its 160 pages include photos from the past and the present, maps and illustrations that will allow the reader to travel through the world of the olive tree, the different variety, the most famous and oldest trees in the territory, the mythology associated with this plant, without leaving aside an accurate historical digression in to the commercial expansion of the oil and the olives.
The publication also provides a precious dictionary of words in the ligurian dialect “on the oil world and about”, followed by a description of ancient oil-mills and how they operated, a collection of poems dedicated to the delicious golden nectar and a selection of historical scripts related to the subject.
The book ends with some useful suggestions for the kitchen with recipes and practical applications of the oil and olives.
It is definitely a great book for those who love history and local traditions and for those food lovers who really enjoy the regional cooking. (G. Giordano)

The Government website is now back and running

We are please to inform that the official website of the Seborgan Government is now working. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the previous interruptions.

The website of the Seborgan Government is temporarily down due to technical difficulties

We regret to inform that due to technical difficulties the official website of the Seborgan Government is temporarily unavailable as we currently experience continue interruptions. We will keep you informed as soon as the website will be back in operation and be more stable. In the meantime, we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Library Competition: On the 11 November the Awards

On Sunday 11 November, the award ceremony for the finalists in the 3rd competition organised by the Historical Library will be held in Seborga.

As previously published, the competition consists of an essay in Italian or French on the topic of historical events of the Late Medieval period.

The ceremony will commence at 15:00 in Piazza San Martino and will be preceded by a concert by the Community Choir of the French city of Escarène (twin city with Seborga). All are welcome.

Seborga: Larotella Art Exhibition

The Angelo Biffi Art Gallery in Seborga has organised on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 October an art exhibition of contemporary paintings by the artist Agnese Margherita Larotella, titled: "Colours and Emotions of Our Land".

Seborga on Show on Australian Television

Australian viewers will soon see a glimpse of the Principality of Seborga.

On Tuesday 2 October, during the program Global Village at 6:00 pm (EAST), the second national public channel SBS TV will broadcast a short documentary of 9 minutes (French production) about the intriguing history and status of the Principality. (visit the link: www.sbs.com.au)

Seborga 20 August: National Day

As per tradition, this year the Seborga National Day will be celebrated this Monday 20 August on the occasion of Sain Bernard, Patron of Seborga.
This is the program of the celebrations:

11:15 Holy Mass in Saint Martin Church.
16:00 Vespers and procession to the Saint Bernard Church.
From 20:00 Celebrations with music, food and historical parades.

The revenue of the event will be used for the restoration of the Church of Saint Martin.

News in Brief...

Seborga 25 August, starting at 21:30: Medieval Dinner in Piazza San Martino. The food will be served by waiters in traditional costume with live music.
The cost is 32 Euro per person. Booking is essential by phoning: 0184 22 38 59.

***

The Seborgan Diplomatic Corps is mourning the sudden loss of the Vice Honorary Consul of Lyon (France), Jean-Claude Auvolat.
In a note issued on the 6 August by the Head of Cabinet, Mr André Triquet, HRH Prince Giorgio I expressed his sadeness of the news and his deep sympathy and condolences to the family.

Varase di Ventimiglia: The First Palio of the Principality of Seborga

On Saturday 25 August at the equestrian centre "Val Roya" in Varase di Ventimiglia, the first Palio (horse race) of the Principality of Seborga will take place.

Although the event will be of amateur quality with the participation of non professional riders and horses, it will be of an educational nature to promote the history and traditions of the equestrian world.

The race will be preceded by a ceremony similar to the famous Palio of Siena with traditional costumes, flags and banners.

The Contrade or city wards will receive the welcome by HRH Prince Giorgio I.

The winner of the race (the representative of the Contrada) will receive the Trophy of the Palio of the Principality of Seborga which it will keep until the next edition of the Palio.

The winning raider will receive a prize consisting of golden Luigini coins (the Seborga currency).

Living Among Different Faiths

Last June, in Rome, the Honorary Consulate of the Principality of Seborga in Castellarano (Italy) participated at a conference for the freedom of religion and dialogue among different faiths.

The event was organised by the journalist Magdi Allam, editor of “Il Corriere della Sera” and commentator on Arab and Islamic affairs.

Since then the Consulate has maintained contact with the organisers of the conference and has planned several projects aimed at promoting greater public awareness for a better understanding and mutual acceptance of various religions, so essential for a peaceful existence.

Among the initiatives planned there is a series of meetings aimed at discussing the foundations of Christianity (Catholicism and other confessions), Islamism, Buddhism, Hebraism and other religious faiths.

A few weeks after the event in Rome the Consul and the Consulate organised a meeting in Castellarano with an Evangelical group from Brighton (UK) and a Catholic group.

The purpose of the meeting was to promote a free exchange of ideas and understanding among the two groups.

“To come to know the stable facts about religions that are less familiar here, helps the dialogue; to separate the true from the false allows for a better understanding”.

The local press was particularly interested in the initiative and a local monthly publication has planned a special edition for September on the activities of the Consulate.

Seborga 21 July: The Blue & White Night

The Notte Azzurra (the Blue and White Night) is the new event of the summer season 2007 that - according to the organisers - promises to be an unmissable Riviera affair.

On Saturday 21 July, the Principality of Seborga will keep the doors open of its atelier, shops and typical taverns for food and wine tasting.

Several bands will perform live with music from jazz to pop. The Notte Azzurra will start at 20:00 and will continue until late into the night.

The traditional food and wine night will take place in the main square of Seborga with typical products from the local area.

These are the music groups that will participate at the event:

Elvis from Radio Zeta: a well known band that will play dance music from the seventies and beyond in the main square.

The Jockers: with a music repertoire of rhythm and blues, soul, funky, blues and rock.The band will play famous and lesser known music. this band has performed at several live events in the Ponente Riviera and the Costa Azzurra.

The Full Optional: a new local band with a program of pop, rock and reggae music.

The Jazz in Duet & Bossuana will perform jazz, bossa nova and classical music in the church square.

For more information: turismo@proseborga.com - web: http://www.proseborga.com/ - Phone: 0184-223859

Consul Arnotte Awarded the Merit Order of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

The Honorary Consul of the Principality of Seborga in Luxembourg, Baron Jean-Philippe Arnotte, was awarded the Silver Merit Order of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg by the much loved Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Maria Teresa Nassau-Mestre on Saturday 6 June 2007.

During the meeting Consul Arnotte offered the Grand Duchess a decorated pin with the Seborga blazon and the "Principality of Seborga" inscription on it. (In the photo: a moment of the event)

Seborga Summer Season Events 2007

Here is the calendar of events for this summer season that will take place in the Principality of Seborga, organised by the ProSeborga Association and the Tourism Office. For any enquiries, please write to: turismo@proseborga.com


JULY

05 July: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Takabanda”.
07 July: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Primavera”.
12 July: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Sandro Moreno”.
14 July: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Gli Ascendenti”.
19 July: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Primavera”.
21 July: “La Notte Bianco-Azzurra” (The Blue and White Night); a new summer season event. The atelier, shops and typical taverns of the old Principality of Seborga will remain open all night for food and wine tasting under the supervision of sommeliers from A.I.S. (Italian Sommeliers Association). Live music (from pop to jazz) will be performed by various bands present in Seborga.
26 July: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Gli Strani Poeti”.
28 July: Tripe Festival and live music with the orchestra “Carmen Arena”.

AUGUST

02 August: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Stefano Frigerio” (Radio Zeta).
04 August: Mussel Festival and live music with the orchestra “Sandro Moreno”.
09 August: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Wilmer Divina”.
11 August: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Gli Ascendenti”.
16 August: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Primavera”.
18 August: Food and wine night, with dance music performed live by the orchestra “Primavera”.
20 August: Saint Bernard. A fundraising night to support the parish church of St. Martin.
25 August: Middle Ages Dinner. A special dinner that will take you back a thousand years and served according to the customs of that period. Particular attention to detail and the natural ambience of the burg of Seborga will guarantee a superb feast experience. Bookings are essential.
26 August: Concert of the band “Buio Pesto”.

SEPTEMBER

09 September: Festival of Boar and Polenta. Panoramic walk through the forests of Seborga.

Giubellini Art Exhibit

The Angelo Biffi Art Gallery has organised for Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1st July at the Principality of Seborga an exhibit of works by the artist Gianni Giubellini.

30 June: Seborga Beer Festival

This Saturday Seborga will host the "Seborga Tutta Birra": a yearly event with lots of beer, barbeque and Ligurian dishes. The program of the festival will include the traditional contest of "Miss Maglietta Bagnata" (Miss wet t-shirt), live entertainment music and attractions for all ages.

The event is organised by the Tourist Office and the Pro Seborga Association.

Artist Night for the Hospital of Leopoli in Ukraine

The Principality of Seborga organised for the 23 and 24 of June the "Artists Night". The humanitarian event was organised to raise money to buy a paediatric ventilator to donate to the regional Oncology Hospital of Leopoli in Ukraine.

Message of Good Wishes to the Prince of Seborga from a Moldovan Association

A message of good wishes was sent by the Moldovan Association "Speranza" (Hope) of Turin, Italy, to HRH Prince Giorgio Ist for His birthday anniversary celebrated this month. In the message, the Association expressed a wish for good success to the Prince for His future projects for the Principality.