Christmas Eve on Carpenter Street
My mother’s family came to America from their home in Acerra and eventually settled in the near-west side of Chicago in the Little Italy area, much of which has since disappeared under the concrete of The University of Illinois-Chicago. They established a grocery store and meat counter that saw them through the Depression, supporting the five child...
Italy is on top of the world in Women's Volleyball
Conegliano secured the title of Volleyball Women’s Club World Champions by triumphing over China’s Tianjin Bohai Bank in a resounding 3-0 victory in Hangzhou, China. This win marked Conegliano's third world title, having previously claimed the championship in 2019 and 2022. The Italian team dominated the tournament, maintaining an impeccable record...
Italian American Podcast Ep. 350 PART 2: The Good, The Bad, & The Mal’occhio
Growing up in an Italian family, superstitions were as common as pasta on Sundays. Join us as we share the quirkiest tales of Italian superstitions in our part 2 of this episode! From the mysterious power of the evil eye, “il malocchio,” to the peculiar rituals involving hidden horns and the mano cornuto hand gesture. We take you on a journey throu...
Iubilaeum25, the app for the 2025 Jubilee in Rome
The Vatican has unveiled an innovative mobile application to enhance the experience of pilgrims visiting Rome for the Jubilee Year 2025. Known as a Holy Year, the Jubilee is dedicated to prayer, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal. Millions of faithful from across the globe are expected to visit Rome, and this app aims to facilitate their journey whi...
The Vasari Corridor, a 16th-century elevated passageway in Florence, Italy, has reopened to the public after an extensive restoration
The Vasari Corridor, a remarkable 16th-century architectural masterpiece in Florence, has reopened to the public after a meticulous restoration project . This elevated passageway, an iconic symbol of Florence’s Renaissance heritage, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the city from the perspective of the Medici family, one of the mos...
Saturnalia, an Ancient Roman Festival that inspired Christmas
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world, symbolizing joy, family, and togetherness. It is deeply associated with Christian traditions commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, many of the customs we associate with Christmas, such as gift-giving, feasting, and decorating our homes, have their roots in much ol...
It's official: Trump nominates Tilman Fertitta as US Ambassador to Italy
Tilman J. Fertitta, a renowned American businessman, philanthropist, and sports team owner, has been nominated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy. Fertitta is well-known for his leadership in business and his contributions to the hospitality and entertainment industries, as well as his significant...
The Best Time to Visit Costa Smeralda Is at the Very End of the Season
I’ll admit that when I first started planning my recent trip to Sardinia, I didn’t have a grasp on how big the island really is. I thought I could stay in the north and make day trips to the south, and vice versa. But after booking accommodations in Costa Smeralda and plugging Cagliari — Sardinia’s capital city — into Google Maps, I realized that t...
At That Age, You Don't Think You Can Fail': Peter Cancro's Journey From Slicing Subs To An $8 Billion Jersey Mike's Deal
Peter Cancro was just 17 when he pulled off a deal that would shape his destiny. In 1975, with a $125,000 loan from his football coach, the high school senior bought Mike's Subs, a Point Pleasant, New Jersey sandwich shop where he had worked since he was 14. At the time, Cancro wasn't even old enough to legally operate the deli slicer. Fast forward...
The Ancient Snacks Served At The Roman Colosseum
The next time you grab a snack at a sports event, take a moment to think about our ancient Roman counterparts. Ancient Romans who attended games at the Colosseum (also known as the Flavian Amphitheater) enjoyed munching on fruit and other snacks while they watched gladiators and wild beasts fight. It turns out that those peanuts and hot dogs you pi...
Frette debuts Italian linens boutique at Houston Galleria
Frette, a luxury Italian linen brand, has opened a new boutique at The Galleria in Houston, according to a Dec. 16 news release. The shop is located on the first floor of the popular retail center, and features a curated selection of bedding and bath linens, home accessories and refined loungewear, per the release. The Galleria location's interior...
Lake Como or Lake Garda: Which One Fits Your Travel Style?
Lake Como or Lake Garda? It’s as timeless an Italian conundrum as thick crust or thin? Aperol or Campari? The scenery alone draws travelers to these two mythic lakes in northern Italy, both defined by majestic mountains and colorful waterside villages that drip with dreamy dolce vita. So just how do you choose between the two? “It’s important to de...