by Anthony Parente

How many times a year do you offer this program?
Our project is supposed to take place only in June and July 2007. However, we have already made contacts with groups, this time coming from the same country, which are expected to come in May, when the Maggiolata takes place, and September, when they can experience the grape harvest.

You make reference to La Maggiolata. Can you briefly describe what exactly this is?
The Maggiolata is the festival of flowers, the festival of spring and love. It represents the awakening of nature and the awakening of the senses. In ancient times, peasants spent the whole winter almost alone in the countries, but in May they decorated their oxen-drawn carts with the sweetest smelling flowers and went out to celebrate spring and summer. High spirits and happiness brought love and it was easier for young and elderly people to fall in love.

How long does the programme last?
The programme has been planned to last a whole month.

In case someone can not make your program this year will you offer this program every year?
Of course we will be glad to welcome you also the following years. The projects is just about to start but we expect to continue it and offer our courses every year.

Where will students stay while they are enrolled in your program?
The students are lodged in shared rooms which can sleep a maximum of six people each, in the wonderful converted out rectory of Saint Blaise's church in Pieve Vecchia., and, besides attending the lessons, they will take part in the town's everyday life.

Describe what a typical day would be like for someone who would enroll in your program?
8:00 - Wake up!

8:30 - Departure to Lucignano (1.8 km). The participants can either travel by van, which we provide, or go on foot if they want to keep fit!

9:00 - Breakfast is served at "Vini di Toscana" wine shop.

10:00 to 12:00 - Italian lessons at the Town Hall's assembly room.

13:00 - Lunch at "Albergo Ristorante da Totò". The hotel has a wonderful garden and a swimming pool where the guest can have a rest during the afternoon.

17:00 - Participants are split into groups and meet local families in their own houses, in order to practice language and learn what life in Lucignano is like.

19:00 - Dinner at "Vini di Toscana."

21.00 - Folklore dance lessons. Lessons will be held in the most picturesque parts of the town and not only the teachers will be present, but hopefully most of the components of the Folklore Group.

24:00 - Participants will be driven back to their accommodation, or stay out if they like.

* This is the ideal daily programme. Note that on Thursdays and Sundays the participants will be let free from any scheduled activity, although we will always offer some optional activities, such as wine tours, trips to the most popular cities (Florence, Rome, etc.) and even cookery courses. We have a long experience in this field and we will help everybody choosing the right activity for them.

What type of dances will the students learn?
The dances that the students will learn to perform are Trescone and Mazurca. This sort of dances belong to our peasant tradition and were originally performed during harvest time, but are still performed during folkloristic festivals all around the world. The original "setting" was the farmyard, which we try to reproduce the most beautiful squares of our town.

Who can people contact to ask any additional questions they may have about your program and how they can register?
To get further information you can either call the following numbers:

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