Traditions

In the first half of this two-part discussion, we left off with the question, “How did St. Nicholas become Santa Claus?” I must answer by first explaining that the custom of gift-giving, especially to children during the Christmas Season, is …

On 13 December, Italians celebrate Santa Lucia, a very important feast in the North as well as in Sicily. The name Lucia comes from Latin and means Lux (light): it dates back to the pagan celebration of winter solstice before …

Although things are changing fast, Christmas in Italy still is one, if not the most, traditional time of the year and many Italian households have a series of family traditions they like to repeat each year, no matter how old …

The tiny island of Burano in the Venetian archipelago, with its colorfully painted houses and boats tied all along the canals “like so many domestic animals,” as Cassiodorus observed in A.D. 537, might be one of the most enchanting places …

Fausto Roma (Ceccano, 1955), is a rare example of painter, sculptor and visual artist, who despite extensive travels along the years, has decided to live in his hometown, not far from Frosinone, capital of the geographical region of Ciociaria. Fausto …

Seeing the artistry behind the tiny, handcrafted wooden spinning tops Mauro Sarti makes, it is surprising to find out it all started by chance. Granted, the Bologna-born artisan had always liked making things by hand. However, the decision to devote …

Those who have Neapolitan origins know what San Gregorio Armeno stands for: Christmas Nativity tradition. Wandering on the namesake street, in the heart of Campania’s city, searching for the best artisan figures is a must have experience for both locals …

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a big deal in our family. Although the origins of this feast are somewhat mired in controversy, it is a holiday that my Italian-American family celebrated each and every year with absolute gusto. …

I met Gay Talese on a Friday afternoon in New York City, when the sun descends from its zenith and anxious pedestrians are walking briskly home to begin their weekend.  He had agreed to meet and talk about his Italian …

Our Studentessa Matta kicks off the Holiday Season by preparing the “presepe”, the Nativity. Here how she did it!  I’m preparing the house for Christmas. I have just finished decorating the tree with my kids. Over the years I have …