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Christmas is probably the most loved festivity in Italy. Lights, Christmas carols and trees decorate every corner of the country, from the smallest villages to the largest cities. During this time of the year, Italians love going for walks, shopping and breathing in the magic atmosphere of the season, especially if there is an authentic Christmas m...

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From the shop windows of Naples, hundreds of faces lure us with their expressions: proud, sad, joyful, lewd, angelic, humorous. Few artistic traditions have this ability to pull at our heartstrings, to surprise and delight us, to make us laugh out loud. More than any other Neapolitan tradition, nativities (called o’presebbio in Neapolitan dialect)...

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In Italy, it is not only people who gets ready for Christmas, but cities, too. It is especially Christmas street lights and decorations that help creating that special holiday mood everywhere, so much so that walking around, shopping or simply strolling enjoying the atmosphere, is one of people’s favorite activities this time of the year. There is...

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It all started in the spring of 1972. The perks of my job in Temple University’s Athletic Department included my use of the facilities on a regular basis. One particular lunch hour, I decided to go out to the tennis courts and practice hitting backhands against the big, green wall outside of McGonigle Hall. After about a half-hour, I felt what is b...

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Hoboken, NJ is considered a Mecca of Italian American Pastry, with something for everyone, from world-famous brands to the most authentic family-owned Pasticceria you could ask for! At Giorgio’s Pasticceria Italiana, second generation pastry chef Mary Grace Castiello follows in the footsteps of her late father, the Pastry Shop’s namesake Giorgio, i...

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Here we are again: the year is almost over and a new one will start soon. So, I thought I would take a good look at what expressions are typical of this period of time, of December, of Christmas, and generally speaking of the end of the year. Let’s begin!  First, let’s look at the month of December. Starting from the beginning, Italians say Santa L...

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Visiting Trentino Alto Adige during the Christmas season is just magical! Besides the wonder of its snow-filled landscapes - highly-appreciated by skiers, of course - its magnificent Christmas markets, in Trento and Bolzano during Advent, are what makes the Region so special this time of year.  Bolzano The largest city in Trentino Alto Adige, a mee...

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To be Italian in the Washington, DC metro area one must frequent the only Italian Church in town, Holy Rosary Church.  My husband and I were blessed to be married in this beautiful jewel and both of our girls were baptized here.  Step inside this Italian masterpiece of mosaics, carvings and frescoes and immediately escape to bell'Italia. The warmth...

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Italy may be considered one of the world’s best summertime escapes but there are many advantages in visiting during the winter months. When you travel during low season, you’ll find fewer tourists, optimal skiing conditions in the north with mild temperatures in the south and a festive spirit around the holidays. Not to mention, Italy’s most beauti...

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It may only be December, but the Undo's Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival Committee is already preparing for the 2020 event. They are holding a Christmas Gala fundraiser for the festival at Undo's West this weekend. It will feature an Italian dinner, cookie table, dancing, entertainment by Ray Massa's EuroRhythms, and an Italian auction....

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