Culture

Men parade with torches at the 'Ndocciata ritual in Agnone, Molise

You've Probably Never Heard of These Christmas Customs in Italy (No, Really)

by Amy Gulick | Mon, 12/19/2022 - 11:20

While Italy’s cast of Christmas characters includes some very familiar figures — Babbo Natale (Santa), naturally, and La Befana, the frumpy Christmas witch who…

Culture

Interior of the synagogue of Siena, Italy

Shining a Light on the Hidden History of Jews in Siena

by julie.james | Fri, 12/16/2022 - 14:07

The first time I visited the Jewish ghetto in Siena was by accident. I’d just stumbled my way out of the Palazzo Pubblico — the civic seat of the Sienese…

Culture

Step Inside the Real Mona Lisa’s Florence

by Laura Morelli | Thu, 04/14/2022 - 00:27

Nearly everyone on the globe recognizes the woman in Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, whether or not they have seen the iconic portrait in person in the Louvre.…

Culture

Where to Explore the Jewish Heritage of Ferrara

by Silvia Donati | Wed, 01/26/2022 - 05:42

To mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, January 27, we take a stroll through Jewish Ferrara, a city with one…

Culture

What’s the Deal with Italy’s Cannabis Shops?

by Jamie Mackay | Tue, 08/13/2019 - 00:56

You’ve probably spotted them around the stations and high streets of the peninsula’s major cities. Easily recognizable by their blown-up hemp leaves, tie-dye…

Culture

Festa della Rificolona: The Traditional Festival of Paper Lanterns in Florence

by Italy Magazine Staff | Fri, 09/05/2014 - 01:30

Every year on September 7, the Festa della Rificolona takes place in Florence to celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary. The event is thought to have…

Culture

For Friday the 13th, Check Out These Top 13 Italian Superstitions

by Carol King | Thu, 10/31/2013 - 08:00

Ed., October 13, 2023: We're re-sharing this archival article on Friday the 13th, which in some countries is thought of as a day of bad luck. Here in Italy,…

Culture

Pope Benedict XVI Resigns

by ITALY | Mon, 02/11/2013 - 07:29

The Vatican has announced that Pope Benedict XVI will retire on February 28. The move has shocked Italy and Catholics worldwide, given that the post is…

Culture

Festa del Redentore fireworks display, Venice

La Festa del Redentore: A Summer Tradition in Venice

by Michelle Fabio | Wed, 07/15/2009 - 06:34

One of the biggest celebrations in all of Italy happens every third weekend of July in Venice: La Festa del Redentore. As with many Italian feasts, the…