NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps)
Located on Sicily’s southern coast between Realmonte and Porto Empedocle in Agrigento is the naturally carved staircase that has formed from centuries of wind and rain. The majestic white staircase known as the Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps) cascades down the cliff into the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Capuchin Catacombs
Located in the city of Palermo on the Italian island of Sicily is without a doubt one of the most interesting, intriguing and gruesome tourist spots in the world. This place, which is sometimes referred to as the Museum of Death, contains some 8000 mummified bodies that date back to the 16th century. These bodies line the walls of the Catacombs, which is located directly underneath the Capuchin Convent.

Share a Photo, Recipe, Story or Tradition
Italy is a wonderful and magnificent country filled with traditions, stories, incredible food and breath taking views. With your help Italiansrus.com can help show the world just what Italy has to offer. There are four ways you can help so just select one of the choices and you will be presented with guidelines and a form you can use to contact me about your submission.

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Molto Italiano featured item:

The Other End of the Line

A wave of refugees has arrived on the Sicilian coast, and Inspector Montalbano and his team have been stationed at port, alongside countless volunteers, to receive and assist the newcomers. Meanwhile, Livia has promised their presence at a friend’s wedding, and the inspector, agreeing to get a new suit tailored, meets the charming master seamstress Elena Biasini. But while on duty at the dock one late night, tragedy strikes, and a woman is found gruesomely murdered.
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MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

* Photo of the Week
Formia

A view of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Formia. Formia is a city in the province of Latina within the Lazio region.

* Proverb
Chi sputa in su, lo sputo gli torno sul viso.

* Recipe
Here is a great recipe for biscotti.

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Volume 19, No. 1

January 8, 2020 italiansrus

Volume 19, No. 1

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Italy’s Four Great Empires
The Roman Empire, Christianity, The Renaissance and The New World, four eras of mankind that are without question four of the major periods civilization has ever known.

Witchcraft: Evil or not?
Witchcraft is one part of the practice of an ancient religion. Those who practice the Craft generally believe in a loving god (and goddess), or in multiple gods, who reign over the many facets of our daily lives. This is derived from the earliest religions of great societies, like Rome, Greece, Anatolia, etc. Those worshipers were not creating evil to harm their enemies, nor were they attempting to cause havoc in the world.

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Molto Italiano featured item:

Italian Short Stories for Beginners

In this book we have compiled 20 easy-to-read, compelling and fun stories that will allow you to expand your vocabulary and give you the tools to improve your grasp of the wonderful Italian tongue.
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MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

* Photo of the Week
Gates of Paradise

A great view of the Gates of Paradise created by Lorenzo Ghiberti and located on the east doors of the Baptistery in Florence.

* Proverb
L’apparenza inganna.

* Recipe
Here is a great recipe for fennel salad.

Volume 18, No. 52

December 30, 2019 italiansrus

Volume 18, No. 52

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Buon Anno New Year Brings Nostalgic Memories For The Past
Like most of us, I’ve had plenty of time to say good-bye to the passing year- to decide what I’ll miss most about it and to brace myself for the coming new year.

Cavalcade of the Magi
January 6th marks the 12th day of Christmas and it is called the Epiphany. To commemorate this special day the city of Florence, Italy hosts a pageant called the Cavalcata dei Magi (Cavalcade of the Magi). This is the biggest street procession in Florence and there are over 700 participants who dress in medieval costumes.

Celebrate the Epiphany Italian Style
Italians, like many other cultures around the world, celebrate Little Christmas or the Epiphany with as much verve as they do Dec. 25. In fact, when my father was growing up in Italy in the 1950s, he would wait with much more anticipation for Epifania, which comes on Jan. 6 and marks the arrival of the three wise men or magi at Baby Jesus’ manger. After all, this is when my papa’ would put out a stocking (one of his mom’s actual stockings and not the fancy ones we have) and wake up to find gifts – from the Italian Christmas witch, La Befana, inside. If you are not living in Italy but would like to incorporate Epifania into your traditions, here are 4 ways to celebrate.

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Molto Italiano featured item:

365 Days in Italy Picture-A-Day Wall Calendar

Celebrate the most returned-to destination in the world. In hundreds of stunning, full-color photographs, this bestselling calendar puts Italy’s irresistible Mediterranean charms on full display, month after month. Who wouldn’t want to spend a year zipping around on a Vespa through Rome, or strolling through the rolling pastures of Umbria? How about savoring fresh burrata, admiring the ornate piazza fountains, or enjoying a wine tasting in a Tuscan vineyard?
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MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

* Photo of the Week
Ferrara Celebrates New Year

The city of Ferrara celebrates the New Year with a beautiful display of fireworks. the fireworks are being shot over the Castello Estense.

* Proverb
Quando a Roma vai, fa come vedrai.

* Recipe
Here is a great recipe for an Americano.

Volume 18, No. 51

December 23, 2019 italiansrus

Volume 18, No. 51

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Buon Natale Christmas Eve Dinner
One of the big mysteries surrounding Christmas Eve has to do with dinner and the significance of the number of fish dishes prepared. Many people have asked me why do we have seven different fish dishes? To be honest I never knew why myself. Every Christmas Eve I can remember smelling the various fishes as my Mother prepared them. I never knew why we had to prepare so many I just knew that this meal had to consist of dishes that did not contain any meat and the number of fishes prepared had to be seven.

12 Days of Christmas for Italians
While we Americans are toiling at the office or wherever it is that we work during the holiday season, Italians are taking it easy. Most of them have off from Christmas Eve until the Epiphany on Jan. 6. Much of Europe celebrates the holiday through the “12 Days of Christmas.” The song isn’t just about some make-believe, fantasy world where the holidays lasts and lasts. With that in mind, I set out to write my own 12 days of Christmas for Italians.

The Italian Ceppo
The ceppo is a yule log burned in the fireplace or a pyramid shaped structure made of wood and often called the tree of light. Just what is the significance behind this Italian tradition?

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Molto Italiano featured item:

365 Days in Italy Picture-A-Day Wall Calendar

MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

* Photo of the Week
Ferentino

A beautiful view of the town of Ferentino, which is located in the province of Frosinone, Lazio.

* Proverb
I mendicanti non hanno diritto a scelta.

* Recipe
Here is a great recipe for fish in a pan.

Volume 18, No. 50

December 18, 2019 italiansrus

Volume 18, No. 50

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Tombola ‘Tis the Season for Tombola
Italy is all fun and games during the holiday season. The country’s decorations are far more subdued and serious than those you might see in the United States. It’s all nativity scenes and gold stars with few trees and lights. But in homes across the country, the people come together to laugh, eat, drink – and gamble. It’s not what you think. Sometimes they’re playing for beans or one or two euro (which are coins in Italy). They are playing Tombola or the Italian version of bingo.

Find Faith in Italian Nativity Scenes
Clearly, I need something to believe in, and I’m missing the holiday season in Italy, which is as much a celebration of hope as it is Jesus’ birthday. And just what is the ultimate symbol of Italy’s bright-eyed optimism at this time of year? The presepio or nativity scene. Others have their Christmas trees, but nothing compares to the masterpiece crèches for which Italians are famous.

Castagne
When many people think of chestnuts the first thing that comes to mind is the verse Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Many people don’t realize how important this food crop has been throughout history.

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Molto Italiano featured item:

Scopa Traditional Italian Card Game

Italian Scopa is a centuries old card game involving memory and strategic skills along with a little luck It’s easy to learn, a challenge to master and just plain fun for the whole family Ideal for any skill level from absolute novice to expert, so anyone can enjoy the game Rules include two other card games to be played with Scopa cards (Scopa d’Assi and Briscola) Family fun for everyone.
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MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

* Photo of the Week
Favignana

Favignana is just one of the islands that make up the Aegadian Islands (Isole Egadi). The island is located in the Mediterranean Sea off the northwest coast of Sicily. It is very famous for its tuna fisheries.

* Proverb
Per un orecchio entra e per l’altro esce.

* Recipe
Here is a great recipe for battered fried baccalà.

Volume 18, No. 49

December 11, 2019 italiansrus

Volume 18, No. 49

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Santa Lucia
As legend states in the city of Syracuse, on the island of Sicily, a child by the name of Lucia was born in the year 283 to a wealthy Sicilian family. As she grew older she choose to live her life like that of St. Agatha, who was a revered saint in a nearby town. With that she vowed to remain a virgin and give her possessions to the poor and needy.

Panettone
During the Christmas season panettone is a staple that you will find in any Italian home. Panettone originated in the town of Milan and is a symbol of the city.

The Legend of the Christmas Rose
A story of a little child who follows the shepherds as they search for the new-born king. When they finally arrive she realizes that she has no gift to offer him.

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Molto Italiano featured item:

Scopa Traditional Italian Card Game

MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

* Photo of the Week
Cathedral of Cefalù

The Cathedral of Cefalù dates back to the 12th century. It was during that time that Roger II, King of Sicily had the cathedral built.

* Proverb
I muri hanno orecchi.

* Recipe
Here is a great recipe for stuffed calamari.

Volume 18, No. 48

December 4, 2019December 4, 2019 italiansrus

Volume 18, No. 48

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Gubbio Christmas Tree Lighting of the Christmas Tree
One of the things I love about Italy is the different and unique traditions they do throughout the year and in particular during various holidays. One tradition that takes place during the Christmas season is the lighting of the Christmas tree in the city of Gubbio, Umbria.

Manarola’s Illuminated Presepe
An enduring tradition that has been a part of the Christmas season in Italy is the beautiful nativity scenes (presepio) that decorate homes and towns throughout Italy. Over the years these scenes have expanded to include more than just the Holy Family and the three Wise Men. They can be elaborate works of art that depict entire villages. Of all the scenes throughout Italy the one in Manarola stands out and can be seen for miles.

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Molto Italiano featured item:

Feast of the Seven Fishes: 40 Authentic Italian Recipes for a Christmas Eve Tradition

Christmas in Italy is all about family, and every Christmas Eve the holiday season is celebrated with a customary feast. Although this tradition originated in southern Italy, where it is called La Vigilia (the Vigil), the Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American celebration of the birth of Jesus at midnight on Christmas Eve. Where this custom got its name is unknown, as some families prepare up to 12 courses to represent the 12 apostles of Jesus. The overarching theme of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is that none of the courses include meat.
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MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

* Photo of the Week
Chiesa della Madonna dello Schiavo Altar

A beautiful view of the altar located in the Chiesa della Madonna dello Schiavo. According to the book Where to Go When: Italy this is where a rare, revered, and reputedly miraculous black Madonna is kept.

* Proverb
La virtù è premio a se stessa.

* Recipe
Here is a great recipe for linguini & clam sauce.

Volume 18, No. 47

November 27, 2019 italiansrus

Volume 18, No. 47

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

An Italian Thanksgiving Feast
When my editor asked me to come up with a column that connected Italy to Thanksgiving, I was thrown for a loop. Thanksgiving could not be more American. What does it have to do with Italy? But the key ingredient to a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday is food – and no one does food quite like Italy.

20 Interesting Facts About the Sistine Chapel
The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous frescoes in the world unsurprisingly it’s one of Rome’s most visited and valued historic sites. Set within the Vatican City and Museums, the Sistine Chapel welcomes around 25,000 visitors a day who flock to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece and marvel at the feat of artistry. As cameras are banned it’s one to make sure you don’t forget!

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Molto Italiano featured item:

Italy Charm Ornament

PREMIUM QUALITY – Measuring approximately 2.5 inches in diameter, these charming Italy ornaments for christmas tree boast a high polish sterling silver finish.
TIMELESS DESIGN – Crafted from brass topped with a shiny silver tone and finished with a silver rope, our Italy charm ornaments make unforgettable gifts for women.
SPARKLING CHARM – These cute silver tree ornaments feature a pave heart charm set with sparkling Cubic Zirconia diamonds and measuring 1/2″ tall x 1/2″ wide.
GIFT READY – These Italy silver holiday tree ornaments arrive beautifully presented in a gift-ready black fabric pouch and make a thoughtful gift for yourself or another special someone.

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MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

* Photo of the Week
Faraglioni of Capri

The famed Faraglioni of Capri are located in the Bay of Naples off the island of Capri. There are three of these rock formations and they are named Stella (connected to the island), Mezzo and Scopolo.

* Proverb
Pietra mossa non fa muschio.

* Recipe
Here is a great recipe for Italian cheesecake.

Volume 18, No. 46

November 20, 2019 italiansrus

Volume 18, No. 46

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Buying Property in Italy
Many people dream of purchasing a home or property in Italy. How can we blame them? Italy is rich in history, architecture, cuisine and majestic beauty. When it comes to purchasing land in a different country you need to understand how the process works and what are some potential dangers you may encounter. This guide will help you understand what to look for and how to protect yourself when you are ready to turn that dream into a reality.

Italian Inheritance Guide
Italian law can be very complex and when it concerns an inheritance it can get very confusing. If you do not live in Italy trying to understand the Italian legal system can be very tricky and emotional. We hope this guide will help you understand how the whole process works and what you can do to ensure that you protect your inheritance.

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Molto Italiano featured item:

Italy Charm Ornament

PREMIUM QUALITY – Measuring approximately 2.5 inches in diameter, these charming Italy ornaments for christmas tree boast a high polish sterling silver finish.
TIMELESS DESIGN – Crafted from brass topped with a shiny silver tone and finished with a silver rope, our Italy charm ornaments make unforgettable gifts for women.
SPARKLING CHARM – These cute silver tree ornaments feature a pave heart charm set with sparkling Cubic Zirconia diamonds and measuring 1/2″ tall x 1/2″ wide.
GIFT READY – These Italy silver holiday tree ornaments arrive beautifully presented in a gift-ready black fabric pouch and make a thoughtful gift for yourself or another special someone.

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MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

* Photo of the Week
Umbrellas over Falvaterra

Colorful umbrellas adorn the town of Falvaterra. If I understand correctly the umbrellas were hung for good luck. This was a result of a bad storm the previous year that prevented them from having their festa.

* Proverb
Il fatto non si può disfare.

* Recipe
Here is a great recipe for fennel and orange salad.

Volume 18, No. 45

November 13, 2019 italiansrus

Volume 18, No. 45

Molto Italiano featured item:

Buon Natale Greeting Cards

If you are looking for Italian Christmas cards to send to your friends and family here are five different designs to choose from. Greeting cards come in a package of 10, 20 or you can just purchase one. Each includes the saying Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo.

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Quercia delle Streghe (Oak of the Witches)
Nestled in the Tuscan forest within the garden of Villa Carrara in San Martino in Colle (Capannori, Lucca) is a 600 year old enchanted oak tree that has sprouted many legends and tales.

Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius, which is probably the most famous volcano in the world, is situated just above the Gulf of Naples in the Campania region of Italy. Vesuvius also happens to be the only active volcano located on the mainland of Europe.

MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

* Photo of the Week
David

A full frontal view of the original David by Michelangelo located in the Galleria dell’Accademia, in Florence.

* Proverb
Ride bene chi ride l’ultimo.

* Recipe
Here is a great recipe for homemade amaretto.