Culture

Jewish populations have called Italy home since Judas Maccabee sent a contingent to Rome in 161 B.C.  Although their history is wrought with strife, Jewish communities have established deeply planted roots throughout Italy. Their distinct culture has interwoven with the …

Sardinia, cradle of history and special traditions, holds within also plenty of culinary secrets. Let’s ideally travel to the west of the island. We are in the enchanting area of Marmilla, a small region at the very edges of the …

The Pasquetta day has historical and religious significance: indeed, Italian Catholics call it Lunedì dell’ Angelo which is meant to remember the women of the sepulcher, including Mary Magdalene, who were comforted by an angel when they returned to Jesus’ …

Let’s be honest, it’s not only kids who love chocolate eggs: we all do! Indeed, the egg has a very ancient symbolism: it always represented life, the fulcrum of universal elements, both in pagan and Christian traditions.   Easter egg tradition …

Chocolate eggs are stacked high in supermercati, Colomba dove cakes decorate pasticcerie windows and lambs are being made ready for the dining table. But away from the well-known traditions of an Italian Easter there are many different ways to celebrate. …

The Spring edition of Cinema Italia San Francisco is just few weeks away. The program of April 2019 will celebrate and honor Ugo Tognazzi, the Italian movie, TV, and theatre actor, as well as director and screenwriter.   Born in …

A vigorous thrust with a fork resolutely imposes on the icing to reach the body of soft ricotta cream in perfect symbiosis with the sponge cake. The bitter chocolate morsels explode in your mouth in contrast with the sweetness of …

Just about the time when the long cold days of winter come to an end, and heavy wool coats are hung up and being put away, one can start seeing aisles of Easter goodies at their local stores. Milk chocolate …

A solitary woman dressed in dark regal hues, her fingers adorned with  topazes and opals,  a voice as deep and smooth as the softest of velvets. She sits in a room scented like opium and incense, twilight cloaking everything in …

Deep-rooted cultural and religious rituals are resplendent in Gravina in Puglia, an ancient town sitting timelessly beside one of the many karst ravines scoring the landscape on Puglia’s border with Basilicata. Alta Murgia national park, a protected plateau, is nearby.  …