Blog: Discover Italy

Mount Etna - Connection to Greek Mythology & the Entrance to the Underworld 2026 started off with a bang in Sicily – literally! Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, erupted over the New Year’s holiday sending smoke and lava cascading down the her ice-covered slopes. Ancient civilizations and in particular the Greeks have been fascinated with Mount Etna, and it is no wonder. Soaring to over 11,000 feet tall, Mount Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe, and she …

Feast of Santa Lucia December 13 After the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the next important celebration during the Christmas season is the Feast of Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) on December 13th. Santa Lucia lived in the late 200’s AD in Syracuse, Sicily in Italy during a time when being a Christian was a criminal offense in the Roman Empire. From an early age, Lucia devoted her life to Christ and to serving the poor.  One day, Lucia had attracted the attention of a pagan Roman officia …

Cassatella di Sant'Agata – “Saint Agatha’s Breasts” In Sicily, there is a well-known pastry known as Cassatella di Sant'Agata, translated as, Saint Agatha's Breasts. Named after Saint Agatha, an early Christian martyr who was tortured by having her breasts cut off, these round shaped sweets are made of sponge cake, soaked in Rosolio (a traditional Italian liquor), and filled with ricotta cheese, chocolate drops, and candied fruit - such as oranges or citrons and then …