Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film “The Hand of God” begins with a bird’s-eye view of Naples, his hometown, at dawn, with a lone vintage car traveling along a seafront road while the rest of the city uncharacteristically sleeps. As a backdrop to this autobiographical coming-of-age story, Naples is at turns fantastical and decadent, sunny and unpredicta...

Christmas is around the corner and as tradition has it in every city different nativity scenes are set up every year, both classic and unique, as well as the living ones thanks to which the Christmas atmosphere is recreated allowing for a deep dive into the past. Let us see what are the 5 nativity scenes absolutely worth seeing in Italy! Before dis...

Christmas is approaching and in the table set for the festivities, are coming the extraordinary specialties of the Italian culinary tradition: among these there are the broccoli of Christmas, also called in Neapolitan dialect “vruoccole and fronna of Christmas”. In Naples is a typical dish of the Christmas Eve dinner characterized by a strong flavo...

The desire to celebrate New Year's Eve 2022 is high, due to the period of great stress and restrictions caused by the health situation since March 2020. Italy is ready to give opportunities for wild fun or even parties suitable for the most moderate: the variety of landscapes, locations and possible activities really knows no limits. Moreover, the...

Christmas markets, light shows and old traditions: all across Italy there are many events planned for the Christmas and New Year period: here we have chosen the most interesting suggestions for you. The very first traditional Christmas markets date back to around the 14th century in Germany and Alsace and then spread along the Alps, including Italy...

The blood of Naples' patron saint Gennaro liquefied at the city's cathedral on Thursday evening, leading to relief among some superstitious Neapolitans who see it as a good omen. The 'miracle' traditionally occurs on three dates: 19 September (the saint's feast day), 16 December and the first Saturday in May. On each occasion the faithful gather in...

Situated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, with Mount Vesuvius towering in the distance, Italy's third-largest city is home to an incredible wealth of art and architecture. Ancient Greek wall fortifications, a Roman-era theater and a Norman castle testify to its long, rich history. And around every corner in the city’s UNESCO-designated hist...

Among the most famous Christmas desserts, born in Campania but now appreciated and enjoyed throughout the country, struffoli have their roots in ancient times, even if their origins are uncertain. According to many, struffoli derive from the Greek strongoulos – hence the name – meaning “rounded,” while others believe that Neapolitan pastry chefs we...

The tradition of the ‘presepe’ in Italy began with none other than Saint Francis of Assisi’. Profoundly moved after seeing the sacred representations on the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, Francis returned to Italy and created history’s first nativity scene in 1223 in a cave just outside Greccio (Lazio). Thus, the tradition of arranging nativity scene...

Pieces of fabric of various vibrant shades fill the Naples studio where Paboy Bojang and his team of four are working around the clock to stitch together 250 cushions for their next customer, The Conran Shop. They are not long from dispatching their first orders to Selfridges and Paul Smith, and with requests for the distinctive cotton cushions wit...