Folklore is a large part of Italy and even more so, in the Apulia region located in what is the heel of Italy’s “boot” shape. In this particular region, folk dances are very popular and have their roots in Ancient Greece. The “Pizzica” is a traditional dance popular throughout the Salentine peninsula along with the “Tarantella”. These ritualistic dances were performed in honor of the gods of music and sun (Apollo) and wine (Dionysus). Continue reading "Pizzica and Tarantella: Folk Traditions of Apulia"
Fun Facts and Curiosities
Tuscan Sunflower Fields
One of Tuscany’s most famous and attractive landscapes is its never ending fields of sunflowers during the summer. Usually from June to August, one can enjoy a beautiful panorama of these lovely yellow flowers driving through the small winding roads through the enchanting Tuscan countryside only to be enhanced by the sight of cypress trees, an ancient church atop a hill, or a typical Tuscan farmhouse amidst the wilderness. Don’t let your friends tell you, ask a Trips2Italy travel specialist how to spend your vacation admiring the sunflowers “under the Tuscan sun”…
Columbus has brought the Blue Jeans to America!
Blue Jeans... did you know this super popular garment has Italian origins? Its name comes from the particular blue fabric that was once worn by the dockworkers in the port of Genova, in the Liguria region. They were always traveling around the world and thus, brought what we know as denim to the shores of the New World becoming immediately a success..
Murano Island Venice Glass artisan shop
When in Venice, be sure to visit the Island of Murano, home to artisan glass shops where unique handmade glass products have been produced for thousands of years, using the same ancient techniques particular to Murano glass making . From simple small glass figurines available in different colors to much more elaborate pieces such as chandeliers, there is something to suit everybody’s fancy and pockets while observing the glass-artisans at work is a unique experience!
Come Experience the Spoleto Festival of the Two Worlds
Every year in the quaint and historic town of Spoleto, located in the Umbria region, one of the most important artistic festivals in the world takes place during the summer months: the “Festival dei Due Mondi," or Festival of the Two Worlds. This exuberant event was first started in 1958 by composer Gian Carlo Menotti. Menotti hoped to fuse the artistic contributions of both the old world, Europe, and the new world, America, and generate mutual appreciation for Continue reading "Come Experience the Spoleto Festival of the Two Worlds"
Learn about Art and Culture of the Aosta Valley During Foire de Saint Ourse
Skiers know that they can find quite a few great places to go skiing on their Italian vacation, and the Aosta Valley is one that often stands out amongst the best in the country. You can find great lifts and runs, perfect snow, and plenty to love about the area. This area offers far more than just great skiing though. Continue reading "Learn about Art and Culture of the Aosta Valley During Foire de Saint Ourse"
Abruzzo: Inhabitants Rescued from Isolation Thanks to Sheep
Although winter arrived late to most of Europe, this past winter, Italy and especially the Apennine region have experienced an exceptional snowfall that temporarily buried some towns and small villages under an incredible amount of fresh snow.
In the Abruzzo region, the owners of a Vacation Farm or “Agriturismo” were left isolated in the mountains for close to 72 hours due to the huge quantity of snow. Continue reading "Abruzzo: Inhabitants Rescued from Isolation Thanks to Sheep"
Get your Donkey and Frog Ready for Competition
If you think that the word Palio is only associated to the well-known Siena horserace, you will learn that it is not the case after reading this article.
According to its Latin origins, the word Palio (from Pallium) refers to the banner or the cloth awarded to the winner of a competition. According to the tradition the winners’ district will keep this Palio until the next competition, usually one year later. Continue reading "Get your Donkey and Frog Ready for Competition"
“Casu Marzu”: the Sardinian Cheese with Worms
Please, go on reading only if you have a strong stomach. You could consider the news disgusting! In spite of this, if you are planning a trip to Sardinia, it could be useful to know what Casu Marzu is, to enjoy or to avoid it!
Continue reading "“Casu Marzu”: the Sardinian Cheese with Worms"
Sicily: When Donkeys Become Garbage Collectors And Help To Save The Environment
Giarratana and Castelbuono are two villages in Sicily and can be considered virtuous places. In fact, some months ago, these villages gave a lesson of civility and environmental sensibility to many larger towns in Italy.... Continue reading "Sicily: When Donkeys Become Garbage Collectors And Help To Save The Environment"