Traditions

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 …

Fashion design and haute couture have always been crown jewels of Made in Italy, thanks to the creativity and artisan tradition of world famed ateliers the likes of Fendi, Prada, Armani, Valentino, Gucci, Versace, and many more. Since the mid-20th …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Siena’s Palio takes place twice a year and sees horses race through the streets of the Tuscan town. Today, the first round of the race has been held and La Torre won the Palio with Andrea Mari (called Brio) that mounted …

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 …

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 …