Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, I’ve put together the best Italian-inspired gift ideas to create a list that will make your Christmas merrier and brighter. This list includes some of my favorite things, items that I personally own and items that I'd buy for someone who is crazy about Italy and all things Italian. I hope it will help you find the perfect gift for the special people in your life or even for yourself. *wink wink* [Tweet "Stuck for gift ideas? Check out this wonderful gift guide for Italy lovers!"] … [Read more...] about 🎅 The perfect Christmas gift guide for Italy Lovers – Home & Food Edition
Italy
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Do you know all about Mother’s Day in Italy?
'Mamma' is often the first word babies utter in Italian. It’s a simple, two-syllable word, with such a huge meaning. In fact, “la mamma” is probably the most important figure in the life of Italians, so much so that Italian men are famous all over the world for being “mammoni” - “mama’s boys”. “La mamma è sempre la mamma.” That’s our motto: “The Mom is always the Mom”. Le mamme italiane - Italian mothers - are quite dedicated and are widely known for being nurturing and caring. In Italian we’d also say that “di mamma, ce n’è una sola” - “there’s just one mother” - meaning that we should be grateful for our one and only mother because she will always be there for us. In Italy, Mother’s Day - La Festa della Mamma - falls on the second Sunday of May, like in the … [Read more...] about Do you know all about Mother’s Day in Italy?
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Art in Rome: Via Margutta and its 100 Painters
“I Cento Pittori di Via Margutta” (One hundred Painters of Via Margutta) is an unmissable open-air art exhibition that takes place twice a year in Rome. It features artists from all walks of life and it’s free of charge for everyone. First, a little throwback for those of you who are not familiar with this event: the tradition began in 1953 when a group of local painters decided to revitalize the street with bright colors in the aftermath of world war two. Via Margutta has been home to every kind of painter, sculptor, and craftsman ever since. The beauty of the Cento Pittori exhibit lies in its rich variety: you can gaze on vividly colored watercolors, then turn a corner to see sketches and drawings of all types. More than 3,000 artworks are usually showcased, making this … [Read more...] about Art in Rome: Via Margutta and its 100 Painters
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Specialità di Carnevale: Carnival Specialities from Different Regions of Italy
What do Italians eat during Carnevale? This article made me realize just how varied Italian food is even during the Carnival season and inspired me to put together a collection of traditional sweets cooked all around Italy. Do you want to have an Italian-inspired Carnival meal? Come with me on a tour through Italy's most delicious Carnival desserts. … [Read more...] about Specialità di Carnevale: Carnival Specialities from Different Regions of Italy
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Italian Easter Vocabulary, Phrases and Traditions
Christmas may be the most important festivity in Italy, but Easter is a close second. Many cities and villages host religious parades and celebrations - also known as “processioni” - during which a statue of Jesus or the Virgin Mary gets carried through the streets. The Sunday that precedes Easter - called “domenica delle palme” - represents a special moment for Italian Catholics: the Mass lasts longer and olive tree branches blessed by the priest are distributed in churches as a peace symbol. In Rome the Pope takes over St. Peter's Square to greet people from all over the world. Easter Monday is a public holiday called “Pasquetta” and most shops are closed. The usual custom is to go out—whether is a picnic with friends or a trip to the countryside, outdoor activities are a must on … [Read more...] about Italian Easter Vocabulary, Phrases and Traditions
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3 Magazines about Italy You Should Read
Language and culture go hand in hand. They are inseparably intertwined. Learning the history and culture of a country will help you understand its language to a deeper level. That’s why I want to share with you three online magazines about Italy’s cultural scene and lifestyle. … [Read more...] about 3 Magazines about Italy You Should Read
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Come to Rome with Kelly and Melissa!
Have you always wanted to visit Rome and experience a true Roman holiday? Here's your chance! This summer, from July 5 to July 14, you can make those travel dreams come true. My friend Melissa, who blogs at Diario di una Studentessa Matta, will be leading a trip to Rome with Kelly Medford, an American artist who lives and paints in the capital city. … [Read more...] about Come to Rome with Kelly and Melissa!
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How does one become Italian? Is it a matter of citizenship or just a state of mind?
I was inspired to write this post by the experience of a Canadian actress, Lisa Ray. She recently took a trip to Italy and fell completely in love with the country. It is always exciting to see someone opens his or her heart to new people, new places, new cultures. That's what she did. She embraced the Italian lifestyle fully and completely. She left a piece of herself in every city she visited: Rome, Capri, Pisa, Florence, Venice and so on. It is pretty clear that she enjoyed la dolce vita since she always had something nice to say about every place she discovered and explored. … [Read more...] about How does one become Italian? Is it a matter of citizenship or just a state of mind?
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Timeless beauty of Milan
Milan will never cease to amaze me. I've been to this metropolitan city so many times but it's always a pleasure to come back and see what's new. It feels like home. Two weeks ago I got the opportunity to travel to Milan for the millionth time. I swear, I’ll never get tired of it. … [Read more...] about Timeless beauty of Milan