Gorgonzola PDO exports exceeded two million wheels in 2022
Gorgonzola PDO cheese exports grew by +1.9% in 2022, equal to 25,191 tons in volume and 2,099,250 wheels. The increase in value was about €178M euros (+16.4 percent over 2021). Of the more than five million 48,000 wheels of Gorgonzola produced in 2022, about 40 percent was absorbed by foreign markets. Last year, Italy’s most famous blue cheese reac...
Club owner and chef devoted to preserving way of life in South Philly
Joey Baldino feels blessed to be running the Palizzi Social Club, which since 1918 has been preserving, sharing and promoting Italian culture in South Philadelphia. The founders – all tracing their heritage to the Abruzzese village of Vasto – “wanted to become Americans and assimilate into our culture, but they wanted to keep their traditions, ethn...
What Happened at the Circus Maximus?
The Circus Maximus was one of ancient Rome’s most iconic structures – a massive race track built for the Roman favorite past time – chariot racing. It was also among the most impressive examples of ancient engineering and architecture. The grand stadium was the largest in the Roman world and could accommodate over 150,000 spectators, while the more...
48 Hours in Varese
With an enchanting old town, unmatched natural beauty and plenty to explore, Varese and its surroundings are one of Lombardy’s best-kept secrets. Only one hour’s drive from Milan and a stone’s throw from Malpensa airport, this lovely town at the foot of the Alps sits quietly in the embrace of beautiful lakes, verdant valleys and monumental parks –...
The Italian Chicks Comedy Show in New Jersey
Saturday April 22, Kathedral Event Center, 499 S. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton, N.J. Get ready for The Italian Chicks Comedy Show. Comedians include Maryann “Boom Boom” Maisano, a singer, songwriter, musician, comedian, writer, and actor. She was the winner of the New York City Song-writers Festival. Her original song “City of Light,” was recorded by...
Next Time You're In Rome, Visit The Ancient Temple Of Vesta Where Sacred Eternal Flame Was Kept
The Eternal City ended up not being so eternal, and the eternal flame of Rome did go out. One of the best places to learn about the religion of Rome is the Temple of Vestal. At the time, it was one of the most sacred and spiritual places on earth. It is one of the key places to learn what life in ancient Rome was like. To the Ancient Romans, the Ve...
We Must Expand Italian American Education in Schools
Dear Friends, I was fortunate to meet with Governor Kathy Hochul Monday and discuss issues that concern our community. I briefed her on our agenda of top legislative initiatives for 2023 in Albany. I advised the Governor of our strong support for her plan to create more charter schools. We propose developing the first-ever Italian Language Academy...
8 Types of Italian Coffees, Explained
Ordering coffee in Italy isn’t as simple as queueing up at your local Starbucks. First, Italians are unfamiliar with the concept of a queue. And second, it is always cheaper (and the Italian way) to order your coffee at the bar and drink it standing up. There likely isn’t a menu of the coffee drinks available anywhere to be found and though Starbuc...
Andrea Bocelli's goosebump-inducing Amazing Grace performance in New York’s Times Square
Andrea Bocelli has had a very busy festive season promoting his A Family Christmas album with his children Matteo and Virginia Bocelli. They even starred in an accompanying TV movie together, which they're following up this Easter with The Journey. The Italian maestro has been promoting the new music special which will play exclusively in US movie...
Campobasso: Exploring the Hidden Treasures of Italy
Italy is a country that never fails to impress. From the magnificent art and architecture of Rome to the beautiful canals of Venice, there are plenty of places to explore in this stunning country. However, if you’re looking for something different, something off the beaten path, you should definitely consider a visit to Campobasso. Nestled in the M...
WWII combat veteran from Bayfield celebrates his 100th birthday
One hundred years ago, Prohibition was repealed – construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge – the first drive-in movie theater in the United States opened – and WWII veteran Herman Todeschi of Bayfield was born in the four-cabin hamlet of Cold Creek. The nearly lifelong resident of Durango and Silverton will celebrate the century mark Sunday wit...
Cultural tourism: 70% of visitors concentrate on 1% of Italy's territory
In 2019, the problem was much the same. Seventy percent of the 115.2 million foreign cultural vacation presences in Italian art cities in 2019 are concentrated in nine cities: Rome 28.3 percent, Venice 15.8 percent, Florence 10.7 percent, Milan 6.1 percent, Naples 4.5 percent, Palermo 1.7 percent, Verona 1.3 percent, Catania 1.3 percent and Pisa 1....