The Latest

The inferno that has ravaged large areas of Los Angeles is reaching catastrophic proportions. The ashes left by flames that consumed homes, shopping centers, monuments, and our beloved spaces—places of life and work—are devastating countless lives. L’Italo Americano stands in solidarity …

On this episode of You, Me and Sicily we take you to the Province of Siracusa. First stop is Ortigia, the magnificent and historic island. Then we head to the Archeological park in the city of Siracusa to see some …

The combination of great food, fine wines, heritage and history, culture and climate continue to make Italy a firm favorite with travelers from around the globe. Many visitors to Italy return time and time again for romantic breaks, family holidays, …

Separated by a mere two miles of sparkling sea at its shortest distance, the island of Sicily sits off the toe of Italy’s “boot,” looking somewhat like a football readied for the punt.  Italian by association, yet distinct and unique …

October, the month Italo-American organizations throughout the United States celebrated Columbus Day with parades and public festas, is becoming a thing of the past. Since the 1992 Columbus Quincentennial commemorations, political activists have been watering down Columbus Day Discovery celebrations, to …

At the foot of Rome’s Capitoline Hill, by the staircase leading to the Piazza del Campidoglio, seat of the city government since the Middle Ages, a statue of a hooded man waving a sword commemorates a crime. On this spot …

Agnolotti are Piemonte’s best comfort food: warm, filling, tasty, they are so quintessentially Piedmontese they are part of the region’s official list of traditional products (P.A.T.).  Reassuring in their ubiquitous presence on Piemonte’s festive table, they are today  declined in …

This past 4th of July, the US Embassy in Rome celebrated the 244th Independence Day anniversary unusually. It didn’t only move all celebrations online — because of the pandemic and the consequent ban on gatherings — but it also decided …

We usually say that America is a melting pot of cultures and races, but did you know that, according to  genetic research, Italy may be just as varied? The study was carried out by a team of researchers from Rome’s …

Valtellina is a beautiful alpine area in the Sondrio province of Lombardia. You may think not to know it, but you’re certainly familiar with places like Bormio and Livigno, famous for their ski resorts and picturesque views; truth is, Valtellina …

You are certainly familiar with it, the curnicello, or cornetto, that red chili pepper Neapolitans use to attract good luck and be protected by evil forces, or malocchio, as they call it. Found often on market stalls,  it has become …

Over 26 million Americans of Italian descent currently reside in the United States, making Italian Americans the seventh largest ethnic group. Every October, the Italian-American Heritage Month aims at recognizing the contributions and achievements of these people and their ancestors …

The first weekend in October is usually busy for San Francisco. Residents and travelers greet the San Francisco Fleet Week to honor all men and women serving in the armed forces and celebrate the oldest Italian Heritage Parade of the …

A lot of people in Los Angeles, especially baseball fans, will miss eating at the stadium during a Dodgers’ match:  food has always been part of the experience. Fries, hot dogs, nachos, carne asada, you name it, you could find …

Cremona may not be as well known as other cities in Lombardia like Milan or Pavia, but it has a lot to offer to an attentive visitor. Never mind if you are into history, folklore, architecture, or food, the town has …

The debate over the authenticity of Italian cuisine recently took center stage again, fueled by comments from two historians, Alessandro Barbero and Alberto Grandi.  The controversy began in 2023, when Alberto Grandi, a professor of food history at the University …

When we think of ancient Roman festivals, the Saturnalia often comes to mind: this exuberant December celebration, marked by feasting, role reversals, and a temporary relaxation of social norms, is among the most famous. However, the Roman calendar was rich …

Southern Italy, particularly the regions of Puglia and Sicily, is grappling with a mounting agricultural crisis. Recurring droughts, rising temperatures, and diseases such as xylella fastidiosa have ravaged traditional crops like olives, grapes, and citrus fruits. The situation has reached …

The Italian word gelo (dje-loh) refers to intense cold, typically at or below 0°C (32°F), which causes water to freeze into ice. It derives from the Latin word gelu, meaning “intense cold” or “ice.” The word is used in various …

The Canto a Tenore tradition is an ancient vocal style from Sardinia, recognized as one of the island’s most exceptional cultural expressions. This vocal art form reflects the island’s pastoral heritage, and was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and …

One night in 1171, King William II, known as “the Good,” was resting from the burdens of war and governance, as was customary for Norman kings, in an ancient Arab village called Balharā. In a dream, the Virgin Mary appeared …

First, the Jubilee in Rome, then the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. The new year begins with a major national investment, not only in grand events but also in domestic tourism, facing the dual challenge of hospitality and managing an enormous …

On a recent visit to the west coast of Sicily, I fully expected to see the traditional trappings of a Mediterranean coastline: rocky coves, dramatic cliffs and spectacular sunsets over deep-blue waters.  What I did not expect to see were …

Salads are often associated with warmer months, evoking images of crisp greens and refreshing ingredients perfect for summer. However, winter salads can be just as delightful and can offer a delicious healthy alternative to other staples of the winter table …