La vita italiana

Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, or perhaps Giuseppe Balsamo, man of mystery, magician, physician, alchemist, philanthropist or con artist?  Whatever it may be, there is no doubt he was one of the world’s most colorful, and still controversial, characters.     …

On December 26, 1900, Enrico Caruso celebrated the Christmas season with his debut at La Scala by performing the part of Rodolfo in Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème with Arturo Toscanini conducting. As his career advanced, he went on to please …

Two of the most popular and beloved Popes in the history of Roman Catholicism, Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II, were declared Saints on April 27, 2014. Such a crucial moment in the spiritual life of millions couldn’t but …

In the 7th century BC, the Sicilian city of Syracuse was one of the gems of Magna Graecia, the coastal area of Southern Italy that was colonized by the ancient Greeks and influenced by their rich and vibrant culture. Hellenic …

In a month, the European Parliament Elections will be held in all member states, including Italy. Europe is going to vote in a climate of economic crisis which has especially gripped the Mediterranean states, but that could involve the idea …

On May 9th the vibrant city of Ravenna, located in the Piadina region of Northeast Italy famous for its gastronomy and wines, marked the annual Europe Day celebrations with concerts, exhibitions, and more.   Europe Day commemorates the presentation in …

The United States have football, baseball, basketball. Italy has soccer. Not merely a game, but a symbol of our country worldwide, despite the natural ups and downs in major competitions. In Italy, soccer is one of the most common subjects …

Today, most Western names consist of one or more given names combined with a family name, or surname. Surnames are a relatively recent phenomenon in human history.  Nobility and landowners may have had identifying names besides their given names, but ordinary …

Ever since the Burger King opened on Via Nazionale, teenagers have come to Piazza Pasquino to eat French fries and to place paper crowns on my head. These coronations never last long. A stray breeze or a conscientious tour guide …

It has been over ninety years since the death of the man known as the “greatest tenor of the century:” and to this day, fourteen years into the next century, the title still invokes the name Enrico Caruso. Every tenor …