La vita italiana

How did Columbus determine the speed of his ship?  The ship’s speed was measured by throwing a piece of flotsam over the side at the bow of the ship. On the side of the ship were markers. As the ship …

While American youngsters put their shoes outside hoping that Saint Nick will leave them goodies, six-year old Filippo Brienza of Bologna put his shoes on to go see the Zampognari play.  He waited all year for the beginning of December …

It may be because it sounds like music or because it is the language of one of the most influential literatures in human history, but Italian has been found to be the 4th most studied language in the world in …

Halloween is becoming more popular in Italy than Carnival, thanks to American TV. Teenaged zombies startle tourists in piazzas and frighten seniors in alleys. These pranks are harmless enough, but the spectacle reminds me of a more sinister masquerade: Benito …

During November, Americans bring chrysanthemums to Roman social events. These New England and Midwestern transplants mean well. What could brighten an autumn engagement party at Cul de Sac or a Thanksgiving banquet at AUR better than mums? Gasps of horror …

We all watched Paolo Sorrentino’s Academy Award-winning film The Great Beauty, and we all dreamed of walking with the protagonist through the Rome’s magnificent Renaissance architecture. One of the most beautiful spots celebrated by the movie and loved by tourists from …

Founded in 2014 by Luciano Lamonarca and Jere Palazzolo, the Saint Pio Foundation carries out several interesting initiatives that involve an increasing number of members and supporters. In this interview, Maestro Lamonarca offers an insight into the main activities and …

Founded in 1895, La Biennale di Venezia is the oldest and most widely recognized contemporary art event in the world. While the Biennale’s roots are in the visual arts, its scope now encompasses theatre music, dance, film and architecture. The …

In a few months, the travelling exhibition of Michelangelo’s precious  drawings from Casa Buonarroti, Florence, will proceed to Nashville and Phoenix, after having had its only Canadian venue in Toronto, at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Michelangelo (1475-1564), was a …

On October 17th, a panel of 13 independent experts responsible for assessing Italian cities competing for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2019, selected Matera for the honor. This award started in 1985. Since then more than 40 …