One of the most quintessential of all Italian traditions is the passeggiata, when friends and family take to the streets of their town in the early evening, usually between 5 and 8 pm, and well, wander. The word passeggiata comes from the verb passeggiare, an Italian word for walk, combined with the suffix “-ata” which…
Tag: Italian traditions
What is Il Giorno dei Morti (All Souls’ Day), and why is it important in Italy?
A Guest Post by Rachel Vermiglio Smith All around the world, the end of October and early November is a time to celebrate the enduring connection between the dead and the living. In the U.S., we celebrate Halloween on October 31 every year, and while it may seem so, this isn’t just a randomly selected…
Is Santa Claus Italian?
“Is Santa Claus Italian?!?” exclaimed seven-year-old Daughter as she was watching the animated movie “Rise of the Guardians.” Alec Baldwin voices Santa Claus, who does speak with an accent, although I’m not sure that it’s intended to be Italian. “Mom, listen to him!” she implored, and then really focused on the next few lines of dialogue….
Christmas in Italy: 5 More Reasons to Celebrate!
Here in America we have twenty-four shopping days in December until Christmas, but in Italy, the holiday season starts a bit earlier, lasts a bit longer and is sprinkled with more official celebrations. Image Credit In fact, there are five holidays other than Christmas and New Year’s which are part of Italy’s stagione natalizia (Christmas season). What…
What is Il Giorno dei Morti (All Souls’ Day), and why is it important in Italy?
My path crossed with Rachel Vermiglio Smith’s in a most unexpected way at the Palazzo Tornabuoni in Florence a few years back, and we have been good friends ever since, despite being 6,000 miles away. She is an Italian art history expert, and being American with dual-citizenship, she provides a unique perspective to all things Italy. I’m so excited to feature Rachel as a guest writer for today…enjoy!
Christmas in Italy: 5 More Reasons to Celebrate!
The Christmas season in Italy is sprinkled with holidays. What are they, you ask…?
Is Santa Claus Italian?
Originally posted December 2013 on Prayers and Piazzas This question came up recently from 7-year-old Baby Girl as she was watching the animated movie Rise of the Guardians. Alec Baldwin voices Santa Claus, who does speak with an accent, although I’m not sure it’s intended to be Italian. “Mom, listen to him!” she exclaimed, “Oh…
Is Santa Claus Italian?
This question came up recently from 7-year-old Baby Girl as she was watching the animated movie “Rise of the Guardians.” Alec Baldwin voices Santa Claus, who does speak with an accent, although I’m not sure it’s intended to be Italian. “Mom, listen to him!” she exclaimed, “Oh ya, he’s definitely Italian!” May I interject here…
Prayers & Piazzas 