Blog: Discover Italy

And God Made the Sicilians…….

And God Made the Sicilians…….

And God Made the Sicilians……. I just finished watching a very cute show on Netflix  - Sicilia Express, a Christmas comedy about two Sicilian nurses who work in Milan while their hearts belong back in Sicily with their families. As Christmas approaches, they discover a dumpster with magical powers that transport them back to Sicily. With comedic mishaps, a corrupt politician, an adorable girl and an homage to Sicily, this is a show not to be missed. An elderly character on the …
Jan 11th 2026 Pam - Merchant of Prato
Mount Etna - The Entrance To The Underworld

Mount Etna - The Entrance To The Underworld

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 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 has …
Jan 9th 2026 Pam - Merchant of Prato
Feast of Santa Lucia December 13

Feast of Santa Lucia December 13

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 …
Dec 8th 2025 Pam - Merchant of Prato
Cassatella di Sant'Agata – “Saint Agatha’s Breasts”

Cassatella di Sant'Agata – “Saint Agatha’s Breasts”

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 …
Aug 6th 2025 Pam - Merchant of Prato