Culture

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 …

The Catholic Church is preparing for a historic transition following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His passing has set in motion the historical process of electing a new pope, with the …

When we think of Pisa, we think of its leaning tower, but there is much more in town to enjoy, starting with the famous Luminara di San Ranieri, one of the most charming and visually striking traditions in Italy, celebrated …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Just outside Assisi, in the hamlet of Castelnuovo, a quiet transformation takes place every summer: for four weekends between late June and early July, the local Lavandeto di Assisi, a family-run lavender farm and nursery, opens its gates for the Festa …

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 …

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 …

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 …