The first nativity scene, according to legend, was built in 1223 at the request of Saint Francis of Assisi. In Italy, 800 years later, the custom is still carried on by communities and cities distributed around the country. From Greccio to Genga, here is a guide to the most famous, […]
Author: Francesco Paladini
Ostuni: the first Italian city declared “safe for women”
Rosalinda Giannotti, a councilor in Ostuni, enthusiastically embraced the initiative proposed by the European Socialist Party to the European Parliament. Ostuni has officially become the first Italian city to be declared safe for women, joining the broader SafePlace4Women project. But what does this important recognition mean? Greater safety and well-being […]
Italian December menu: winter flavors
Winter has officially arrived, and as tradition dictates, with December 8th – the Feast of the Immaculate Conception – homes are transformed into enchanting little worlds adorned with festive decorations. In this magical pre-Christmas atmosphere, which warms hearts and brings families closer to the most anticipated time of the year, […]
Gubbio Lights Up the World’s Largest Christmas Tree
A unique tradition, etched in the memories of every child, becomes a small yet significant triumph for a village nestled among the Umbrian hills. We’ve reached the 44th edition, warming the slopes of Mount Ingino, just behind the town of Gubbio, each year. The spirit of fraternity, teamwork, and camaraderie […]
The most expensive shopping streets in Italy
Over the past two years, rental prices in Italy have soared by 30%, with square meter costs reaching unprecedented levels that make certain streets virtually off-limits for much of the population. Here is the updated list of Italy’s most expensive shopping streets as of December 2024, ranked by annual rental […]
The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center: An Italian Tradition Illuminating New York
The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is a shining icon that has illuminated the heart of New York for decades, but few are familiar with its fascinating story of tradition, emigration, and an Italian touch. This is the story of Cesidio Perruzza, the Italian who, during a time of deep […]
Christmas in Leggiuno, over 700 thousand lights in the enchanted village
On the beautiful shores of Lake Maggiore in Lombardy, there is a small village of about 3,500 inhabitants with a unique story. A story that began in 1999 and featured Lino Betti as its protagonist—a resident of Leggiuno who has transformed his village into a true Christmas haven in just […]
Crocheted Christmas Tree Colors the Holidays in Rocchetta Tanaro
Forget about red, green, and gold—in other words, the classic and traditional colors of Christmas. In Rocchetta Tanaro, the festivities transform into a beautiful spectacle of colors that can only leave one mesmerized. The holidays blend with the skill and craftsmanship of local women, who, after more than 10 months […]
14 December: Tortellini in Broth National Day – Between History and Curiosity
This day cannot be tied to us Italians. Surely, the residents of Modena, Bologna, and Castelfranco Emilia celebrated this day with a nice dinner of tortellini in broth. Yes, the dispute over the origins of tortellini is still ongoing and will most likely never be resolved. We can’t even agree […]
During the holidays, Milan is the brightest city in Europe, as seen from space
Italy, and particularly the Lombard county seat, clinched another bizarre yet unique record this year. Indeed, Milan stands out as the brightest city in Europe from October to December, outshining major tourism and luxury hubs like Stockholm, Oslo, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. Milan is obsessed with Christmas lights From space, stars […]