This past summer we wrote a lot about Maremma on our blogs – it’s a beautiful area to visit the beach or stay cool in the hills. Although it gets a little more sleepy in the wintertime, Maremma’s climate remains warmer thanks to the sea breeze, and it’s a great place to visit off-season.
I received this news of an event held in Manciano for Christmas 2010 and am passing it on to you in case you decide to spend a few days in that area of Southern Maremma: Vivamus Natale (Dec 4 2010 to Jan 9 2011). Manciano has an excellent and reasonably-priced hospitality system, great views, good food, and is an all-round nice place to relax for a few days over the holidays. Vivamus Natale is the winter edition of their successful summer festival attended by my colleague Barbara (you can read about Vivamus Summer 2010 here).
Vivamus is evolving: this winter the edition is “web 2.0 developed”! From 4th December to 9th January 2011 Vivamus Natale has been co-produced with the Associations of the area. During the busy Christmas season it will offer more than 20 events including exhibitions of paintings and photography, sport, music and theatre, and a special installation in the town centre and an itinerary linking the piazzas of Manciano.
The centrepiece of the programme is an exhibition by Gemma Detti, who lives in the town, though this is the first time that her paintings have been presented locally. Previously her work had been shown in galleries in London including the Italian Cultural Institute and Colomb Art, and in Milan earlier this year.
Her paintings are principally dedicated to unearthing and interpreting emblems of the city’s man-made landscape. She employs sharp lines and strong colours on large canvases to striking effect. Her paintings are on show in eight different locations around Manciano and her new painting of the Manciano is on display at the Cinema.
The Christmas installation is by Bruno Lelli, and its itinerary follows a theme of love poems through the old town ending to a photography exhibition in Via Marsala.
All this and the launch of the Maremma’s first 3D Cinema, a day of sport and an “International Christmas party” with food and hospitality from all the nationalities resident in Manciano.
See www.vivamus.it for further information.














