Ticino with its Lake Maggiore is usually more known for its Mediterranean lifestyle, relaxing atmosphere and a laid back way of life, but one time of the year this is going to change big time. Then, thousands of tourists and music lovers flood the narrow and ancient streets of Locarno with only one direction – Piazza Grande. Once a year, Locarno’s impressive town square is host to one of the most famous festivals in Switzerland – Moon and Stars. Between the 7th and the 17th of July 2010, a very elite group of artists will perform on Piazza Grande with its incomparable atmosphere. It’s a pretty good mix of singers and bands with famous international and local artist of a variety of genres. Pink, ZZ Top, Eros Ramazzotti and Massive Attack only a few to be mentioned. Moon and Stars is a great reason to travel to Ticino to enjoy a great event and get to know the region which has so much more to offer than its beautiful lakes only. Explore beautiful villages, unspoiled countryside, great food, and a one of its kind sophisticated lifestyle. Get some action at Valle Verzasca’s dam where you can do Europe’s highest bungee jump of 220 meter (here they filmed one of the most famous bungee jumps for James Bonds “Goldeneye”) or you take one of the many thrilling mountain bike downhill rides. There is also great shopping. Ascona and Lugano offer a broad selection of nice boutique shops where you will find all current fashion labels. Fox Town, a great outlet fashion mall near the Italian border does offer a great selection of most of the sought-after brands good for some deals. Visit Ticino and spend a great time in the slightly different kind of Switzerland – you will not regret.
Posted By: 
Peter Rabitz
Die Tradition, den Jahreswechsel auf öffentlichen Plätzen zu begehen, setzt sich auch hier im Tessin immer mehr und mehr durch. So strömen an Silvester Tausende von Personen auf die Piazza Riforma in Lugano, um eine Musiknacht unter freiem Himmel zu erleben. Die Feierlichkeiten in Locarno finden auf der Piazza Grande statt, wo rund um die Eisbahn von "Locarno on Ice" Musik und Shows geboten und die Anwesenden mit dem traditionellen Silvester-Linsengericht verpflegt werden. Ascona lädt am Silvesterabend zu einem Aperitif und zu einem großen Feuerwerk an der Seepromenade ein. Erleben doch auch Sie den Jahreswechsel alla Italianità!
Claudia Starck
