Culture

Literally, a caffè sospeso is a “pending” or “suspended” coffee … but what does it mean and what’s the story behind this habit popular in Naples and, today, also here and there in other parts of the country? First things first, let’s …

Fine, traditional craftsmanship is synonymous with our country, Italy. Some of our most beloved crafts, those we consider a symbol of our very own artistic identity – and economy, we shouldn’t forget – are as old as history but, today, also as rare …

We Italians love playing cards, but our decks must be quality ones!  Modiano is a brand of our Made in Italy known around the world for the beauty and quality of its playing cards, so much so that, since 2015, it officially supplies the …

Who doesn’t love shopping? Online, IRL, at the mall or at the market. Food, clothes, books, trinkets, anything goes, really. True, in this day and age, spending money on futilities or “extras,” as we like to call them, it’s become increasingly …

Kissing is the ultimate sign of affection and, if you live in some parts of Europe, not only between lovers or family members. We are all familiar with the image of our Italian friends and relatives air-kissing one another’s cheeks …

There is nothing better than sharing a drink with friends, and in the quaint Alpine northern region of Valle d’Aosta, they know how to do it in great style and with a nod to tradition.  If you have ever been in …

We are finally in October, the month of apple picking and pumpkins, of spooks and Halloween. For Italian-Americans, however, it is especially the month dedicated to our heritage and to the contributions the community made to the US throughout its history. Between 1820 …

All it takes is nine balls, a flat surface, and two or more people to play. It’s second only to soccer in popularity in Italy…and around the world. Anyone of any age can play it.  We’re talking about bocce, that lawn bowling …

Calabria is known for the beauty of its landscape, its food and for its historical connections with Ancient Greece. The region was one of the richest colonies of Magna Graecia,_° and Hellenic culture is still deeply entrenched in some areas, …

It is impossible to visit Naples and not see the thousands of ceramic and plastic images of Pulcinella in shop windows lining Via Spaccanapoli that cuts through Naples’ historic center. A commedia dell’arte figure, dating back to the sixteenth century, Pulcinella served in his improvised roles …