First, Happy Valentine’s Day! In the U.S., this has become known as a romantic day for couples, with countless people going out to dinner and/or exchanging cards and gifts such as jewelry, chocolate, and flowers. The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to Saint Valentine in the third century. He Read more…
As we move forward into a new year, I wanted to share one more holiday tradition with you. This one isn’t strictly Italian. It’s more Italian-American, and is not called the Feast of Seven Fishes in Italy. This is a meal that is traditionally consumed on Christmas Eve, consisting of Read more…
The Epiphany feast, known as La Befana, is an important part of Christmas festivities in Italy. La Befana has been an Italian Christmas tradition for much longer than Babbo Natale (Santa Claus), probably dating as far back as the 13th century. La Befana originates from a fairytale about a woman who Read more…
There’s no Christmas like an Italian Christmas! Sure, I may be a little biased, but il Natale (Christmas) is an exciting occasion to cook some well-loved family recipes and dine with friends and family. I’m delighted to share some of our most cherished Christmas traditions with you. Tortellini Bologna is no doubt synonymous Read more…
As I discussed in my last post, Italy is a magical place during the Christmas season. In addition to the Presepio (Nativity), no Italian Christmas celebration would be complete without the the Zampognari (bagpipers). The Zampognari play in Piazzas (squares) around Italy throughout the Christmas season. The tradition began when shepherds came down from the hills to earn extra Read more…
While California is my home, Italy will always have a special place in my heart. To an American, Italy carries an air of romance and old-world elegance. There is no time in Italy more magical than the holiday season, especially Christmas, Il Natale, due to the importance of religion in this Read more…
I’m originally from Bologna, Italy, which is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna Region. Bologna is the largest city in Emilia-Romagna and the seventh largest city in Italy. It has a population of around one million people. It is a very old city that was founded by the Etruscans and later used by the Romans. Read more…