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The Italian word malanno  (mah-lahn-no) is an interesting and versatile term with layers of meaning and cultural significance. Its most common translation into English is “ailment” or “illness,” but its usage often extends beyond physical sickness to include mishaps, misfortunes, …

The Regata delle Befane is a cherished Venetian tradition held annually on January 6th, coinciding with the celebration of the Epiphany. It is a whimsical event featuring veteran rowers from the Reale Società Canottieri Bucintoro, Venice’s oldest rowing club, founded …

You know that faint image or pattern that appears when you hold an expensive sheet of paper up to the light? That’s a watermark, a centuries-old invention that started in Italy. Originally a way for papermakers to brand their work, …

You know you’re dealing with something special when a company has been around for over six centuries. That’s the case with Camuffo, the world’s oldest shipyard, making boats since 1438. It all began under the Venetian Republic, when the Camuffo …

Given the challenges faced by firefighters in Los Angeles while battling the ongoing wildfires, it seems both timely and fitting to honor their bravery, dedication, and commitment by looking into the origins of their profession, origins that have a very strong …

In the village of Vico del Gargano, in Italy’s Apulia region, Valentine’s Day is celebrated a bit differently. Saint Valentine has been the patron saint of the place since the 17th century; here, however, he doesn’t only protect lovers, but …

The Italian expression senz’altro (sehn-tzal-troh) is a widely used phrase that translates to “certainly,” “of course,” or “without a doubt” in English. It is a way to affirm something with confidence and conviction, often implying an immediate or unquestionable response. …

The Italian word gelo (dje-loh) refers to intense cold, typically at or below 0°C (32°F), which causes water to freeze into ice. It derives from the Latin word gelu, meaning “intense cold” or “ice.” The word is used in various …

The Italian word aggeggio (A-dje-djo) is a delightfully versatile term that refers to a gadget, contraption, or small device, often of uncertain or questionable use. Its flexibility in meaning and usage makes it a staple of colloquial Italian, suitable for …

Founded in 1919 by Alfonso Bialetti in Crusinallo, a small town in Italy’s Piedmont region, Bialetti began as a workshop specializing in aluminum semi-finished products. Originally called Alfonso Bialetti & Co., the company laid the foundation for a brand that …