La vita italiana

Liscio music is a distinctly Italian style of dance music, with an important place in the social and cultural life of many regions of the country, particularly in the north; born in Emilia-Romagna in the 19th century, liscio is a …

The Candelora, known in English as Candlemas, is a Christian feast celebrated on February 2nd, commemorating the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the Purification of the Virgin Mary; though less known than other religious celebrations, the Candelora has …

In Italy, brass and wind bands – known as bande musicali – are everywhere: they perform in town squares, lead religious processions, train local youth, and preserve centuries of musical tradition. Still today, they are a central feature of social …

On a rocky cliff above the Tyrrhenian Sea, in Calabria’s province of Vibo Valentia, we find the town of Pizzo. Small in population but rich in reputation, it is known across Italy as “the town of gelato.” Its fame, however, …

Trallalero is a highly distinctive form of polyphonic singing that originated in Genoa, Italy, known for its complex harmonies and unique use of vocal techniques. Traditionally performed by male ensembles, trallalero features a complex arrangement of different vocal parts. The …

Every winter, town squares and natural snow-covered stages across northern Italy come alive with the voices of male choirs wearing the distinctive feathered hats of the Alpini corps: these are the Cori Alpini, ensembles rooted in the traditions of Italy’s …

I am going to be honest with you: as an Italian, I detest the concept of bella figura. While it still remains one of the most deeply ingrained aspects of Italian culture, shaping not only individual behavior but also public …

Have you ever heard about the Marostica cherry, or ciliegia di Marostica? This luscious cherry variety, cultivated in a small area of the Veneto region – specifically in the province of Vicenza – is known for its sweetness, firmness, vivid …

Speaking like an Italian is part verbal, part theatrical, and – let’s be honest – entirely contagious. On any street in Italy, conversation feels like a performance: arms wave, eyebrows arch, voices overlap: it starts with a simple “Ciao!” and …

The lira calabrese is one of the most distinctive traditional instruments of Southern Italy, known also for its long and varied cultural history. As its name says, the lira calabrese comes from Calabria, the rugged region forming the “toe” of …