Month: December 2019

Volume 18, No. 52

italiansrus

moltoitalianoVolume 18, No. 52

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Buon AnnoNew 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.

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

Molto Italiano featured item:

365 Days in Italy Picture-A-Day Wall Calendar365 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

Ferrara Celebrates New Year* 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.

FEATURED PARTNER
LMFIAO Italian Clothing & Novelties
Proudly display the colors of Italy with these great products. There are over 100 different designs to choose from and over 50 products per design. Shop from home with the comfort of knowing that your order is backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee. This 30-Day Guarantee gives you plenty of time to check items for color, high-quality, and size for yourself, family and friends.

Volume 18, No. 51

italiansrus

moltoitalianoVolume 18, No. 51

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Buon NataleChristmas 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?

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

Molto Italiano featured item:

365 Days in Italy Picture-A-Day Wall Calendar365 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

Ferentino* 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.

FEATURED PARTNER
LMFIAO Italian Clothing & Novelties
Proudly display the colors of Italy with these great products. There are over 100 different designs to choose from and over 50 products per design. Shop from home with the comfort of knowing that your order is backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee. This 30-Day Guarantee gives you plenty of time to check items for color, high-quality, and size for yourself, family and friends.

Volume 18, No. 50

italiansrus

moltoitalianoVolume 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.

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

Molto Italiano featured item:

Scopa Traditional Italian Card GameScopa 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

Favignana* 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.

FEATURED PARTNER
LMFIAO Italian Clothing & Novelties
Proudly display the colors of Italy with these great products. There are over 100 different designs to choose from and over 50 products per design. Shop from home with the comfort of knowing that your order is backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee. This 30-Day Guarantee gives you plenty of time to check items for color, high-quality, and size for yourself, family and friends.

Volume 18, No. 49

italiansrus

moltoitalianoVolume 18, No. 49

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Santa LuciaSanta 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.

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

Molto Italiano featured item:

Scopa Traditional Italian Card GameScopa 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.
_________________________________________________________________________

MOLTO ITALIANO FEATURES

Cathedral of Cefalù* 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.

FEATURED PARTNER
LMFIAO Italian Clothing & Novelties
Proudly display the colors of Italy with these great products. There are over 100 different designs to choose from and over 50 products per design. Shop from home with the comfort of knowing that your order is backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee. This 30-Day Guarantee gives you plenty of time to check items for color, high-quality, and size for yourself, family and friends.

Volume 18, No. 48

italiansrus

moltoitalianoVolume 18, No. 48

NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Gubbio Christmas TreeLighting 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.

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

Molto Italiano featured item:

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

Chiesa della Madonna dello Schiavo Altar* 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.

FEATURED PARTNER
LMFIAO Italian Clothing & Novelties
Proudly display the colors of Italy with these great products. There are over 100 different designs to choose from and over 50 products per design. Shop from home with the comfort of knowing that your order is backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee. This 30-Day Guarantee gives you plenty of time to check items for color, high-quality, and size for yourself, family and friends.