Once again, the Southington Chapter of UNICO will be conducting their Valentine’s Day Celebration fundraising event called Notte d’Amore by selling giftbags. This year, 50% of the net profit will go directly to Bread for Life. The gift bag will contain a $50 gift card to the New Mill, a $25 gift card to Flair (this is a new addition), two bottles o...

Christmas in Italy, at the turn of the twentieth century, was a very different kind of celebration than the American/English version that greeted the immigrants coming to Wooster Square. The star of Bethlehem positioned above the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Amalfi and the festive window displays in the pastry shops were replaced by Christmas trees a...

In a cavernous room of the Tombola Vajassa bar, located down a narrow flight of stone stairs off a side street in Naples, 30 or so mostly women sit crammed around small tables, with what look like bingo cards laid out in front of them. On a small stage, a towering figure in a cascading curly wig and silver sequined top, who goes by the name Lady Ta...

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is a shining icon that has illuminated the heart of New York for decades, but few are familiar with its fascinating story of tradition, emigration, and an Italian touch. This is the story of Cesidio Perruzza, the Italian who, during a time of deep poverty and crisis like the Great Depression, brought a glimm...

In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi decided to celebrate the birth of Jesus in a new way by recreating the Nativity in the Italian town of Greccio. According to his biographer, Thomas de Celano, Francis assembled what is considered the first crèche, saying, “Out of Greccio is made a new Bethlehem.” To mark this major octocentennial anniversary, the Knig...

Is it even Christmas in Italian households, and most especially Naples, without struffoli on the table? Those delectable, golden, fried balls of dough perfectly coated in honey and crowned with sprinkles represent a time honored tradition and family heritage for so many Italians, including myself. After making, kneading, rolling, cutting and frying...

Archaeologists have unearthed 'Nativity-like scene statues' in the ancient ruins of the Roman pagan city of Pompeii. Approximately 13 figurines were found in what was once a home, and while the terracotta pieces mirror a Christian scene, they were used in an ancient cult ritual. The miniature clay sculptures are about five inches high and found upr...

With its history, culture, and culinary delights, Italy knows how to embrace the magic of Christmas like few other places in the world and here, just like everywhere else in the world, the holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. The entire country comes alive with festive lights,...

Everyone knows the song about Christmas in Hawaii, but why spend the holiday with sun and sand when you can have pesce and paisans when you celebrate Christmas the Italian American way? We hope you enjoy “We All Say Buon Natale”… an Italian American Christmas song made just for us! Wishing you all a very "Buon Natale" from the Italian American Podc...

In the heart of Naples, a unique Christmas decoration unfolds every year — the Neapolitan nativity scene. Far beyond a religious tradition, the presepe is an anthropological display that weaves together centuries of history, artistic research, and contemporary resonance. The fascinating genesis of the Neapolitan nativity scene dates back to the ear...