Archive for 'Culture'
Maria Montessori Posted by Serena on Mar 9, 2011
Yesterday, the 8th of March, was Giornata Internazionale della Donna (International Women’s Day), and this year I’ve decided to write an article about a famous Italian woman, whose work has had a huge impact in the field of education throughout the world. Maria Montessori was born in 1870 in Chiaravalle near Ancona (Marche). She was…
Marzo Posted by Serena on Mar 3, 2011
The name of the month marzo (March) comes from the Roman god of the war Mars. Principali Festività (Main Festivals): On the 8th of March we celebrate la Giornata Internazionale della Donna (International Woman’s Day), also known as La Festa della Donna (Woman’s Festival). In March 2009 I wrote an article about the origins and…
I Promessi Sposi Posted by Serena on Feb 28, 2011
This year we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy, and as part of these celebrations I recently went to the Teatro della Rosa here in Pontremoli to watch "I Promessi Sposi alla Prova", a play based on the famous Italian novel "I Promessi Sposi" (‘The Betrothed’). There are several reasons why…
San Valentino Posted by Serena on Feb 14, 2011
Today is the 14th of February and, as in many other countries, here in Italy we celebrate San Valentino, protettore degli innamorati (Saint Valentine’s Day – St. Valentine is the patron Saint of those in love). But who exactly was San Valentino, and why is his name so indelibly linked to those in love? San…
Febbraio Posted by Serena on Feb 2, 2011
The name of the month of Febbraio (February) comes from the Latin word "februus" which means ‘purifying’, because in Roman times this month was dedicated to the purification rituals used in preparation for Spring. Principali Festività (Main Festivals): On the 2nd of February we celebrate the festival of la Candelora (Candlemas), which commemorates the Purification of…
Bastaaaaaaaaaaa NON NE POSSIAMO PIÙ!!!!!!!!! Posted by Serena on Jan 27, 2011
If you have followed my blog for a while you will be aware that I tend to avoid writing about Italian politics. La politica (politics) in Italy has long been dominated by scandal and corruption, but just lately, with the ‘Rubygate’ affair (I hope you’ve been following the news, if not, make a start here…
La Conta Posted by Serena on Jan 24, 2011
A few evenings ago, while having dinner with my friends Annalisa e Claudio, the conversation moved onto the topic of the traditional games which we used to play as children such as nascondino (hide-and-seek), chiapparello (catch/tag), mosca cieca (blind man’s buff), girotondo (ring-a-ring-o’-roses), etc. We all agreed that the fun was not limited to the…