Traditions

It seems like myths and legends thrive in volcanic towns. Red-hot lava against ashen, black rock and billowing smoke evokes mysticism and the reminder that we are merely humans, that nature is a powerful force which we cannot control, which …

Street musicians, free performances and the excitement of never knowing who is going to perform around the corner: buskers’ festivals are gaining popularity worldwide and attract thousands of visitors no matter where they take place. Ferrara, one of Emilia Romagna’s …

Before theaters existed, plays were conducted in the courtyards of inns, open spaces and on common land. In Italy, the Greeks and Romans left an indelible mark with great amphitheaters, but in other parts of Europe, like England, the idea …

Today, the Selva contrada won the Siena Palio, which has run a day late because of bad weather.   Selva, meaning wood, is the most successful postwar contrada with 16 wins: the winning horse, Polonski, was brought home in the …

Mercantia is the international festival of street art held in Certaldo, Tuscany from July 15 through July 18. It is considered the best source of inspiration for many other festivals thanks to craft theatre and theatrical craft, to enhance the …

The Assumption Day, the Italian national holiday celebrated on August 15, is held all around in Italy when businesses and shopsare closed. Most museums and tourist sites are open on August 15. Many Italians spend the day at the beach …

Tradition, religion, heritage, and passion: from one generation to the other, a small town in the Apulia region, Scorrano, has been able to keep all these things untouchable and unique and give them expression during a festival called “Festa delle …

You probably know about Bologna’s rich culinary traditions, miles of porticoes, terracotta medieval buildings and the oldest university of the Western World; but did you know about the time the great  Michelangelo lived and worked in Bologna? Could you have …

It’s summer in the city and although two of San Francisco’s Italian themed festivals have come and gone, there’s still more serious festeggiare (celebrations) to come.  On June 13th and 14th we enjoyed the 61st annual North Beach Festival in …

The Festa del Redentore is a tradition dating back to 1577. First held to celebrate the city’s deliverance from a terrible plague, and the construction of Palladio’s “Redentore” Church had been commissioned for the same reason, the Church, built on …