Culture

Let’s be honest: for Americans, who are historically used to two parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, the Italian political panorama must be mildly confusing. Let’s look at the current situation, for example: while a moderate left-wing party can be identified, the PD …

Il due pezzi, the bikini: a view as common on the world’s beaches as sunscreen and flip flops. More or less revealing, in a variety of styles and colors, it remains the most popular swimsuit style for women. Once upon a …

When it comes to glamor and national popularity, the Festival del Cinema di Venezia is the Italian equivalent of the Oscars. The connection with the famous US cinematic awards runs even deeper when you consider how, often, the movies triumphing …

On the 25th of September Italians, including those living abroad, are called to vote for the 2022 general elections. It is an important opportunity for citizens living outside of Italy to make their voices heard and choose their representatives for the …

Superstitious or not, don’t we all like to tip the odds in our favor with a little sprinkle of good luck – especially these days? Every culture has its go-to list of good luck enhancers, but when it comes to Italian …

A dream comes true! You are finally in Italy, sitting at a lovely table al fresco, somewhere in Florence – or wherever you fancy, really! With the soft chit-chatting of people around you and the gentle breeze of late summer on …

Spiaggia libera o stabilimento? This is the eternal question of Italy’s sea vacanzieri.  Spiaggia libera, which means, literally, “free beach,” is open to everyone, but has no services, besides an outdoor shower and public toilets. Stabilimenti, on the other hand, offer full services …

Ten days ago, I went to my neighbors for a barbecue. Delicious, summery food – we had grilled fish and plenty of eggplant and zucchini! – good wine and chats with friends: what can you ask more from an end …

  “Italy isn’t Italy without donkeys.” – Princess Nicoletta Caracciola  Italy’s glories are numerous, and often they’re immortalized in kitschy miniatures easily packed and carted home by tourists. Models of the Coliseum, the David, Pisa’s tower, a gondola, a donkey…wait, what? …

It isn’t common to notice how much our language changes through time because, often, change is subtle and takes place through many years. When you think of it, Italians introduced English terms in their everyday language almost without noticing and the same …