Italy is a constant journey of discovery. You never really know it until you see it with your own eyes – interesting facts are everywhere, you just have to give yourself time to find them out!
Let’s discover 5 curiosities about Italy together today! Read More
Once upon a time there was a piece of wood.
Thus begins one of the most beloved fairy tales in the world: that of a wooden puppet who becomes a child.
After more than 100 years, the story of Pinocchio has become a timeless fairytale, captivating entire generations of children.
Everyone knows them but few know of their origins. This wonderful message of love, trust and hope was born in Italy, in Tuscany. Read More
Italy is a country rich in history, culture and curiosities.
Let’s find out today another 5. Five, like the 5 senses of ANYWAYS EXPERIENCES.
When you see it on the shelves of the shops you think immediately: “It’s Christmas now!”
Without it, it’s not Christmas at all in Italy! We are talking about the typical dessert of the Christmas holidays that accompanies every family, every dinner, every toast of good luck. The undisputed king of Christmas parties, il Panettone!
Together with Pandoro (its version without candied fruits), Panettone is the symbol of Christmas in Italy.
Its origin is shrouded in different stories and legends. Read More
In Italy, on November 11th, St Martin’s festival is celebrated, also known as the summer of San Martino – Estate di San Martino.
This anniversary combines the Christian liturgy with the rural tradition, the opening of new wine barrels and the enjoyment of good food.
This festival recalls the story of solidarity and charity of St Martin from Tours.
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Do you remember the “5 curiosities about Italy” in our first article?
Now it goes on! The 20 regions in Italy still offer many curiosities and anecdotes.
As you already know, the number 5 is a special symbol for us.
It is the number of the 5 senses, the basis of our philosophy and our experiences at Bel Paese.
Now let’s discover 5 more curiosities about Italy together! Read More
Are you taking an exam? In bocca al lupo.
Do you have a sports competition? A medical exam?
Are you going to play the lottery? Or meeting your ex? Again: in bocca al lupo.
Whatever obstacle or challenge you’re facing, in Italy you will end up in the mouth of the wolf if you need luck!
The Italian phrase “In bocca al lupo” (literally translated: in the mouth of the wolf) is used in a superstitious sense to wish “good luck”.
But where does this saying we hear so often in Bel Paese come from? Read More
Closed schools, empty cities, crowded beaches, shutters with the words “We are on vacation”: this is the typical scenario in August in Italy, a month of rest.
Everywhere in Italy, August is a vacation month and therefore also rich in “sagre”, village festivals.
The 15th of this month in particular, Ferragosto is celebrated, the summer festival par excellence. It is the only summer holiday in Italy and we like to spend it in company.
The most anticipated summer festival has its origins in the history of ancient Rome and is then intertwined with the Catholic tradition. Read More
August 10th is the most fascinating night of the year: that of the shooting stars!
It is a special night full of dreams and wishes, in which thousands of people are waiting for the shooting stars looking up at the sky.
Bonfires are organized on the beach, people sing and play guitar, bathe at night and grill in the garden.
For the night of San Lorenzo everyone is looking for the perfect place away from the city lights. Read More
From north to south, from east to west, people in the world have something in common, that makes them feel at home wherever they are: coffee, or rather the tradition of coffee.
In fact, so widespread all over the world it is not everywhere just a drink.
In Italy coffee is a ritual that cannot be renounced.
It is a way of being, a tradition, a moment of pause, relaxation and reflection.
“Let’s have a coffee” is nowadays a common invitation to spend enjoyable time with friends.
The Italian coffee history begins with the Neapolitan coffee machine up to the moka and espresso machine and has influenced the coffee traditions of many populations. Read More