Category Archives: Italian Customs

Auguri alle donne! | International Women’s Day

March 8th is International Women’s Day. This day is observed widely in many countries around the world. Oddly though, it is not observed in the United States. In fact, the first time I’d heard of it was shortly after I’d … Continue reading

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Love, Italian Style | Amore all’italiana

“Ti amo” or “Ti voglio bene”? That is the question for italophiles this upcoming day of San Valentino.  The answer, it turns out, depends on the object of your affections. “Ti amo” (I love you) is reserved for romantic loves, … Continue reading

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Buoni propositi per l’anno nuovo | New Year’s Resolutions

[Note: Any text in Italian is followed by the English translation.] È giunto quel momento: un nuovo anno luccicante è iniziato! Un anno pieno di possibilità e buoni propositi, cioè tutti quegli atti e nobili intenzioni che vorremmo riuscire a … Continue reading

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Auguri alle donne! | International Women’s Day

March 8th is International Women’s Day. This day is observed widely in many countries around the world. Oddly though, it is not observed in the United States. In fact, the first time I’d heard of it was shortly after I’d … Continue reading

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La Befana viene stanotte! | Befana Comes Tonite!

Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) didn’t check everything off your list? Not to worry. You get a second chance tonite. Kid’s all over Italy are getting ready to hang up their stockings for la Befana to fill this eve of Epiphany, … Continue reading

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Lentils for Luck – Recipe for a Prosperous New Year | Lenticchie per fortuna – Ricetta per un prospero anno

Note: This post is in Italian interspersed with the approximate English translation. Secondo l’usanza italiana, se ti vuoi assicurare di un nuovo anno fortunato, a Capodanno  devi mangiare le lenticchie. Piatte e tonde, assomigliano le monete, e per il fatto … Continue reading

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Siena | Part 3 | Centro storico, contrade & Palio

[Note this blog is written in Italian interspersed with the English translation.] Per quest’ultima puntata su Siena, facciamo un giro per il centro storico, con la sua architettura medioevale, le sue contrade antiche, la famosa Torre del Mangia nella Piazza … Continue reading

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People-watching a Verona | Foto Blog

Per quanto mi piace visitare musei e chiese, vedere monumenti e rovine, quello che mi piace forse ancora di più è vedere la gente nei posti che visito. As much as I like visiting museums and churches, and seeing monuments … Continue reading

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La dolce Pasqua | Sweet Easter | Foto Blog

NOTE: This post is written in Italian, interspersed with the English translation (in Italics). Anche in Italia le uova ed i conigli sono simboli della primavera e della Pasqua, insieme agli agnelli e agli anatroccoli. Le vetrine delle pasticcerie sono … Continue reading

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No Tweeting in the Conclave + More Fantasy Pope Candidates!

***UPDATE #1**  In tempo record  (alle 19,07 orario italiano, 10:07AM PST) è stato eletto il nuovo Papa…in piazza San Pietro sventolano bandiere di tutti i paesi del mondo mentre migliaia di fedeli aspettano l’annuncio del nome del nuovo Pontefice… / In … Continue reading

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