Weekly Italian Update: Current Events and Happenings in Italy This Week
Yo, check out what's shakin' in Italy this week! 🇮🇹
From the comeback of a popular France-Italy rail link to a new requirement for EU citizens heading to the UK, here's what's happening in Italy starting today!
April Fool's Day 🐟️
While April 1st is known as April Fool's Day in English-speaking countries, the date is known as Pesce d'Aprile (literally, 'April's fish') in Italy. Don't get tricked by April's fish!
Trenitalia Brings Back France-Italy High-Speed Rail Link 🚃
Get ready to travel between Paris and Milan like never before! Starting tomorrow, Italy's state-owned rail operator Trenitalia will resume its high-speed services, following a 19-month closure due to a landslide.
- Departing Paris's Gare de Lyon at 7:30 AM and 3:18 PM
- Departing Milano Centrale at 6:25 AM and 3:53 PM
- Stops include Lyon, Chambéry, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Modane, Oulx, and Turin
Planning a trip? Find more details here and grab those tickets on Trenitalia's website!
Scattered Local Transport Strikes 🚕🚌🚆
Commuters in Messina, Genoa, Savona, and Vicenza might face some disruptions, with walkouts affecting the services of public transport operators ATM, AMT, TPL, and SVT.
Check out the timings below for the planned strikes:
- Messina (ATM) - 4 PM to midnight
- Genoa (AMT) - 11:45 AM to 3:45 PM
- Savona (TPL) - 10:15 AM to 2:15 PM
- Vicenza (SVT) - 5 PM to 9 PM
Keep up with updates on the relevant operator's website or social media channels.
UK Extends ETA Visa Waiver Scheme to EU/EFTA Nationals 🇬🇧
Starting Wednesday, April 2, citizens of EU and EFTA countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein) will be required to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel to the UK.
Head to the UK's ETA scheme website for more information!
Free Museum Openings 🏛️
Enjoy some culture this Sunday, April 6, as hundreds of state-run museums and archaeological sites across Italy will open their doors for free!
Celebrate Italian history at ancient Rome's Colosseum, Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia, the Miramare Castle in Trieste, and the Pompeii archaeological park in Campania.
Don't miss out on other free museum openings across Italy, learn more in our article!
More in Italy 🇮🇹
- Thousands expected to join a pro-Europe rally in Bologna on Sunday, April 6
- The 2025 edition of Vinitaly – one of Italy's most famous wine fairs – will return to Verona from April 6-9
That's all for this week! Stay tuned for more updates on Italy! 🇮🇹💪🇬🇧
- Meloni, the new Italian Prime Minister, aims to renegotiate Italy's relationship with the EU, particularly in the areas of industry and finance.
- Rome's public-transit system, ATAC, has announced a series of improvements aimed at enhancing the city's transportation infrastructure and lifestyle.
- Labour unions from various industries, including transportation, have announced a potential strike in Florence starting on April 7, potentially causing disruptions to daily commutes and travel.
- A local entrepreneur in Milan has launched a new wine label, aiming to make Italian wine more accessible to a younger demographic and further boost the country's wine industry.
- In response to rising living costs and increasing concerns over residency requirements, numerous expat communities in Italy have started online forums and social media groups to share tips and advice for navigating the Italian way of life.
- While Italy is seeing an increase in tourists due to the free museum openings and the return of Vinitaly, the country's tourism industry is urging travellers to support local businesses and remember the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the industry.
- As the UK extends its ETA visa waiver scheme to EU and EFTA citizens, Italian travellers are urged to consider the potential costs and requirements involved in obtaining an ETA before planning their trips.
- The strikes affecting public transport in various cities across Italy have made commuters increasingly reliant on alternative modes of transportation, such as carpooling and bike-sharing services.
- With April Fool's Day just around the corner, Italians are reminded to be mindful of pranks and phishing scams that may be disguised as harmless April Fool's jokes, especially in the digital realm.
