Italy’s regional cultural diversity means that the country’s traditions, food and, indeed, way of speaking are manifold. Such variety also influences its Christmas traditions, with each region celebrating the festive season with unique customs and, indeed, expressions and words. This linguistic variety stems from Italy’s complex history of regional...

From time to time, Frank Tropiano will drive past the tiny structure he called home after he and his parents, three sisters and his grandparents arrived in this country in 1966, a structure that was attached to the rear of the house on 7311 Susquehanna St. in Homewood, PA. "Our address was literally 7311 Susquehanna Rear," he explained. The humble...

The pilgrimage town of Assisi in Italy's central Umbria region lights up at Christmas to mark the 800th anniversary of St Francis's best-known text, the Canticle of the Creatures. Assisi celebrates the milestone anniversary by illuminating the façades of its monuments and streets as part of the Natale ad Assisi programme, with hundreds of events in...

Hazleton is filled with holiday cheer as the community came together for the Buon Natale Christmas Market at CAN DO Community Park. The event celebrated Italian heritage, community, and the meaning of Christmas. Hazelton’s Unico, the largest Italian American service organization in the U.S., hosted a Christmas village. President Donna Delehanty exp...

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find a little extra time to spend in the kitchen. It’s the perfect opportunity to experiment with recipes that bring something new and special to the table. Sardinian pastries are deeply rooted in the island’s rural traditions and ancient history, and offer a unique way to share stories and flavors with...

From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the leap feels almost instantaneous. Time seems to race faster with every passing year, and December feels shorter and shorter. A hundred tasks to juggle, a hundred thoughts swirling. Mornings disappear in a blur, afternoons vanish just as quickly, and days that dragged in November now sprint toward the most dazzling...

There was a special announcement on Sunday night at the Undo’s Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival’s Annual Christmas Gala. The festival’s board of trustees announced that they will be adding an additional $500 to their scholarship awards. Each year, the festival has awarded two local students a $1,000 scholarship, and now they will increas...

Growing up in a household where both parents were children of Italian immigrants, you would think we'd know about the feast of the seven fishes. My mom and grandmothers never made such a thing. As a matter of fact, we really never heard of it until I was an adult and read about it in a magazine. I was in my late 20s, a new homeowner and wanted to i...

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “A Bocelli Family Christmas”, showing Dec. 21 and 22 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. “A Bocelli Family Christmas” captures the wonder and music of the Christmas season, transporting viewers into an Italian winter wonderland. Featuring a mix of classic carols and original songs from the famil...

Panettone, the airy, sweet Italian bread studded with dried and candied fruits, has long been a Christmas staple. But, the often cheap treat that costs around $10 for a circular, domed loaf, has gotten an artisanal upgrade in recent years — with the price tag to match. Designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci all hock elaboratel...