Traditions

January is my favorite month in Rome. Consecrated to the god of beginnings, it is the best time to recapture the magic those British lords on the Grand Tour must have felt, when they arrived from the grey north to …

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 …

The ancient Maya considered chocolate the Gods’ drink, and through the centuries the “black gold” with its many ancient properties has created rich and fascinating history. In Perugia, at the heart of Umbria in Italy, there’s a magical place where …

“In Italy the most important person who, thanks to his genial intuition, managed to change the archaic organetto into the more powerful and complex accordion instrument, the fisarmonica, is Mariano Dallapè”. This is how, in a few words, the Italian …

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 …

2 1/2 teaspoons yeast, 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk, 6 Tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs plus 1 yolk, 8 Tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter at room temperature, 1/3 cup chopped candied orange peel, 1/3 cup currents sprinkled with 1 tsp almond extract, 1/3 cup …

The Murano art of glass is known around all the world. Its history is fascinating and goes back to the 8th century when this art was first born in Venice. At the time Venice was a major trading port and …

We don’t know what his reaction was when he first saw it but, after a brief explanation, Morgan Freeman must have understood what the cucù — the little whistle made of terracotta — donated by Matera’s Mayor during his visit …

According to farmers’ association Coldiretti, around four in 10 pizza makers in Italy are non-Italian. Indeed, at least 100K people are employed in the pizza sector on a regular basis with an additional 50,000 people hired at weekends to meet the rise …

In the historical Maritime Republic of Venice, Carnival represents a very special festivity, dedicated to artistic traditions and creativity. Over the last few years, people’s participation has increased, adding popular and folkloristic touches to the lavish celebrations and shows held …