Blog: Discover Italy

Feast of the Seven Fish Christmas Eve Dinner This Christmas season celebrate the Italian-American tradition of the “Feast of the Seven Fish”, a delicious seven-course seafood only feast served on Christmas Eve. Despite its popularity with Americans, most Italians do not even know about the tradition. So how did this tradition start? The tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve dates to the long-standing Catholic tradition of the “vigilia”, a day of fasting that ends with …

St. Francis of Assisi and the First Nativity St. Francis of Assisi (1181 – 1226) is one of the most beloved saints of the Catholic Church. He is known for his deep devotion to Christ, his love of animals and nature, his dedication and compassion for the poor and marginalized, and his foundational role in the Franciscan Order. But did you know that St. Francis is also responsible for creating the first nativity? In 1223, St. Francis was making his way back home to Assisi from a trip to Rome …

Lesser Known Italian Recipes There is nothing like Italian food!  I don’t think I have ever had a dish that I did not love – well, except that pigeon dish I had in Tuscany. We are all familiar with Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Lasagna, Fettucine Alfredo, Osso Bucco and Ravioli, but I went exploring to try and find some lesser known Italian dishes.  Bagna Càuda: This traditional Italian appetizer is a warm dip featuring garlic and anchovies, typically served with b …

Favorite Italian Fig Recipes Fall is here and I am so excited because it is finally fig harvesting time! I have been watching with anticipation as the fruit on my fig tree is now large enough to harvest. And I better hurry before the bees more in to devour all the fruit before I do. If you do not have a fig tree growing in your yard, I strongly suggest you plant one. They are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow and the bounty of fruit they produce is extraordinary! I always joke that when the …

Celebrating All Saints Day in Italy November 1st is one of the most important religious and national holidays in Italy. Known as Le Festa di Ognissanti, or in England All Saints Day, this is a day to commemorate all the saints of the Roman Catholic Church, both known and unknown, who have attained a glorious place in heaven. Today in Italy shop, schools and businesses will be closed as Italians gather to remember the holy saints in heaven. This is a day of celebration where Italians gather with …

Palio di Siena Horse Race - Winner of the August 16, 2025 is Valdimontone! The results are in! Valdimontone won the August 16th, 2025 Il Palio di Siena horse race. The 9-year-old gelding Anda E Bola and 43-year-old jockey Giuseppe Zedde (also known as Gingillo) brought their contrada to victory Saturday the first time 2016. Pantera came in second. This is Valdimontone’s 45th official victory. Gingillo, who last won in 2018 for Lupa, wins his fourth. First held in 1656, The Palio di …

Carrara Marble: The Preferred Stone of Michelangelo What is it about Carrara marble that makes it so special? Carrara marble is quarried in Tuscany, in the Apuan Alps region. It is known for its distinctive white or blue-grey background with soft, feathery grey veining. This natural stone has been used for centuries in art and architecture due to its beauty and durability.  Carrara's marble quarries have a history spanning over two millennia, with large-scale exploitation beginning in …

17 Contrade di Siena - Palio di Siena In the Middle Ages, Siena was partitioned into districts called contrade. Each Contrada formed a military company which was responsible for defending Siena. Originally there were 59 contrade, but today only 17 remain. Today the only battle these contrade fight is the Palio – a competitive bareback horse race that takes place on July 2 and August 16 every year in the city's main piazza - Piazza del Campo. Every person who was born or lives in Siena bel …

Italian Lemon Lovers - Limoni! Limoni! I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely in love with Lemons. I love anything with lemons on it – dresses, blouses, t-shirts, towels, rugs, wall décor, hand soap, tablecloths, dishes, Italian pottery. I even have a Lemon phone case for my iPhone. My children roll their eyes every time I spot something at the store with lemons on it. So, you can only imagine how I am on cloud nine every time I go to the Amalfi Coast. If you have never b …

Poveglia Island: The Isle of Death - Italy's Most Haunted Places Poveglia Island is a small isle located off the coast of Italy, in the Venetian Lagoon, that is considered by many, locals and tourists alike, to be haunted by the restless, tortured souls of victims who previously inhabited the island. In the Middle Ages, the island was used as a Lazzaretto, a maritime quarantine facility, and a place of exile for those beyond repair plagued with diseases. Later, it was used as a mental asylum. Th …