Italian handcrafts: The accordions of Castelfidardo
The ancestor of the accordion was the “tcheng” or “sheng”, an ancient instrument from China and other Southeast Asian countries dating back 4,500 years in time.The “tcheng” was the first instrument to use free reeds, the principle on which the accordion is based. The patent for the accordion was filed in Vienna in 1829 by Cyrill Demian, but it was...
IT and US: Domenico Tambini, the (fake) Italian Buffalo Bill
Many stories have been told about Buffalo Bill. In Italy, his popularity has always been very strong. He was an icon of that America of the Frontier, now at the end of its historical phase and ready to enter the dimension of literary and cinematographic myth that has nourished generations of Italians. It is no coincidence that, during the performan...
Italian land and nature: The twelve best Italian ski areas
Those looking for ideas and inspiration for the top resorts for skiing in Italy have a wide interesting range of options in front of them: along the Alpine range there are some of the top-end ski slopes in the world, many glamourous ski resorts, high-end hotels and spa facilities, gourmet lodges and every kind of outdoor activity for grown-ups and...
Great Italians of the Past: A Christmas Eve on a chessboard
Did you know that Christmas isn’t just a day but it’s a frame of mind?! And it’s to celebrate this frame of mind that we’ve decided to tell you about three unforgettable italians this month. It’s been a challenge year for everyone, but I think it’s time to roll our sleeves up again and put us back in the game stronger than before so as King Vittori...
Italy. A square wheel that doesn't turn
Censis (Centro Studi Investimenti Sociali) has been producing for 54 years a constant and articulated research, advice and technical assistance in the socio-economic development. This business has developed over the years through the implementation of studies on the social, economic and territorial development, intervention programs and cultural in...
Two Flags One Youth: Age requirements to run for office in Italy and the U.S., time for a change?
Article 2 of the U.S Constitution establishes that individuals must be 25 years of age to serve in the House of Representatives, 30 for the Senate, and 35 for the Presidency. Similarly, Italy’s Constitution imposes that Deputies must be 25, Senators 40, and Prime Ministers at least 50. The founding fathers of both nations crafted such clauses in 17...
Italian little Italies: Sadali, in the wild Barbagia
Sadali is located in the Barbagia di Seulo at about 750 meters above sea level, on the edge of the homonymous plateau. The region, mostly mountainous, is defined "island within an island" for the peculiarity of its landscapes that draw a world apart, wild and alienating. In the village, narrow cobbled streets overlooked by ancient houses, suddenly...
Italian flavors: Valtellina Bresaola
The earliest literary evidence of the production of Bresaola della Valtellina dates back to the 15th century, but the origin of this typical salami certainly pre-dates that. It is linked to the ancient tradition, common throughout the Alps, of preserving meat by salting and drying. However, the cool, dry and well-ventilated climate of Valtellina al...
Italian entertainment: Gigi Proietti
Gigi Proietti had always joked about the date of his birth: he was born the Day of the Dead, November the 2nd 1940. It seems so strange to say, in some way tragicomic, that November the 2nd was also the date of his death (2020). Gigi was indeed one of the most acclaimed Italian actors and comedians, plus he was an incredible voice actor, director,...
Italian innovation: From nanotechnology to great success
In this unforgettable 2020 Italy has seen a boom of registrations of new Small Medium Enterprises. A staggering growth of +40%, which can be summarized basically in two points: many have closed store to open another, many others have changed their production. The latter in particular are not the majority, they are young (6.53%), female (8.82%) and...
Italian wine: Sparkle up the Holidays with Prosecco Superiore
As we start to round out this challenging year I think we all need a little bubbly to raise our spirits. This month I am featuring sparkling wines from all over Italy. My focus is on the wines of the Valdobbiadene and Conegliano Superiore DOCG. I recently attended a tasting hosted by the Consorzio and IEEM and led by Anthony Giglio where we did a...
Italian language: 12 days of Christmas
Christmas is in the air. So I though, why don’t we just take a break from the usual topic, and I teach you a few Christmas words? How can I not start with Santa who is Babbo Natale in Italian, “Father Christmas” or maybe I should say Gesù Bambino, “Baby Jesus.” Yes, because many kids are told that Babbo Natale brings them gifts and others are told...