Traditions

As I was planning another trip to Italy last year, one of my Roman friends told me about a keyhole on Colle Aventino (Aventine Hill) in Rome, from which you could see the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.  A few …

Although the many celebrations of motherhood that took place around the world over thousands of years, the modern Mother’s Day was first celebrated in the US, when it became a recognized holiday in 1914 thanks to the hard work of …

It is usually said that while there are many ‘martinis’, there is only one Martini. This reminds us how cocktails sometimes have little or no resemblance to the original, the classic Gin Martini, made of gin and dry vermouth, which …

More than 300 thousand people gathered along the harbour in Bari to watch the spectacular show of the Frecce Tricolori. The show is organized every year in order to honour San Nicola, the local Patron   Pilgrims travel to Bari to …

The Romans will be breaking hearts this April. Artichoke hearts, that is, to give to festivalgoers at their annual artichoke festival. The “Sagra del Carciofo Romanesco”, will occur the weekend of April 12-14 in Ladispoli. Lazio. First celebrated in 1951 …

The history of slavery dates back to a time well before the founding of Rome.  Historical records indicate that slavery had been in existence four thousand years before the birth of Christ.  In many civilizations, the use of slaves was …

The Corsa all’anello, or Ring Race, will bring a taste of Medieval flair to Narni, Umbria at the annual festival in honor of Saint Juvenal (San Giovenale) held April 25 to May 10.  The Corsa is a reenactment of the …

Just over 6 miles from the famous Renaissance town of Urbino, Marche’s Fermignano hosts a race each year on the Sunday following Easter that gives the Palio di Siena a run, or hop, for their money. Instead of racing with …

YOUR CONCEPT OF MEAL IS DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHERS You easily find yourself saying: “Is it 3 pm already???” Lunch is not just feeding yourself in an Italian family: it’s a way to stay together, to enjoy both a good …

A few months ago I decided to make some changes in my life and, having recently acquired Italian dual citizenship, the first change was of scenery: I came to Milan!  It’s been a month now and I’ve been surprised at …