In 2025, Super Mario Bros. turns 40
On Sept. 13, 1985, Nintendo launched Super Mario Bros., introducing numerous innovations in video game design, establishing conventions that are still followed today. Super Mario Bros. was not only an extraordinary commercial success, selling over 40 million copies, but it also became a global cultural phenomenon, showing video games could be a sop...
"Napoli explosion", a hymn of the city of Naples to itself
Naples welcomed the new year in the way only Naples knows how: lighting up the sky with fireworks, lights, choruses, and the classic New Year’s Eve explosions. Mario Amura, photographer and visual artist, has spent the New Year’s Eve night for the past fourteen years on Mount Faito, the mountain that rises above the Gulf of Naples – in front of Ves...
Two new reports indicate Italy at the top of the dreams of tourists from around the world
Italy continues to dominate global travel rankings, firmly established as one of the top dream destinations for tourists worldwide. As travelers emerge from pandemic restrictions and return to international journeys, Italy remains a steadfast favorite. According to recent surveys and industry reports, Italy is the undisputed leader when it comes to...
Busalacchi family tours real Little Italy
The stereotype of a family-owned restaurant may not include the elaborate bar of Lala or the trendy social scene at Barbusa. The comfort food of Nonna, named after Italian grandmothers everywhere, is more what comes to mind when considering non-corporate dining. Yet the Busalacchi family still proudly owns and manages all three concepts in Little I...
10 Fairytale Villages in Lombardy: discover the region of hidden treasures
Lombardy is a land that holds enchanted villages, places where time seems to have stopped. These little jewels, scattered among lakes, hills and plains, tell stories of a past that continues to live. The frenetic Lombardy, region of dynamic Milan, holds timeless oases of tranquility and tradition. These villages are like hidden treasure chests, eac...
Ciao Bella! Nonstop flights to Italy are coming to Colorado
I have been fortunate to visit a handful of Italian cities in this surreal country over the past few years. One of the drawbacks of flying to Italy from Colorado is that you always have to have some form of a layover and they are usually quite long. Soon, you won't have to deal with the layovers if you want to experience la dolce vita in Italy as o...
20 Foods You Must Eat in Piedmont
Car lovers know Piedmont for Fiat; sommeliers for Barolo; and coffee-holics for the Moka… But what the region really deserves the limelight for is food. Much of the region’s culinary heritage dates back to the chefs in the House of Savoy, one of Europe’s oldest dynasties (they go back to 1003 AD) and the ruling royal family of Italy from 1861 until...
Puccini’s Pizza, Carmel, Indiana
I’ve been a longtime fan of Puccini’s Pizza & Pasta. We’ve been regulars for years, and honestly, I don’t see that changing anytime soon! Between the excellent food and the friendly service, Puccini’s checks all the boxes for a great dining experience. Today, I took advantage of their lunch special, which I highly recommend. For just over nine buck...
Nettuno, Italy baseball legend Lenny Randle passes away at age 75
Italy mourns with the USA on the passing of Lenny Randle, heralded by Rolling Stone as “The Most Entertaining Man in Baseball," who died in Murrieta, California on December 29, 2024. Having landed in Nettuno in 1983 after a 12-year career in MLB with 1138 games under his belt, Lenny Randle left his mark on Italian baseball because of his talent and...
Janus, the Roman god who represents the celebration of the New Year and gives his name to the month of January
In Ancient Rome, New Year's Eve was not just a simple calendar transition—it was an extravagant, high-energy affair that set the tone for the entire year. The Romans were known for their grand public celebrations, and New Year's Eve was no exception. This night was not only a time of reflection but also one filled with festivities, religious ritual...
The Year Commemorating Giovanni da Verrazzano
VERRAZZANO 500, the yearlong celebration of Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York ended on a historic December day with a rare viewing of Giovanni da Verrazzano’s Cellere Codex. The quincentennial of Verrazzano’s entering NY Harbor begun on April 17, 2024, with a Staten Island Ferry journey where Italian American leaders gazed, essenti...
Agrigento, Sicily: Italian Capital of Culture 2025
From January 1, 2025, Agrigento will begin a year-long celebration of its cultural achievements. Among the most notable events are exhibitions, theater performances, music festivals, and international conferences that will bring together scholars, artists, and cultural leaders from around the world. These events will not only showcase the artistic...