Holy Week "Holy Week" is the week before Easter Sunday—a time when many important events take place in Umbria. On Palm Sunday, olive tree branches are blessed. And it’s not just one branch; people carry whole bunches down the street and to church. These blessed...
Umbria is the region of (pork) meat eaters. Veal, lamb, goat, and pork all raise here, especially in the Norcia area. Many families living in the Umbrian countryside still butcher a pig each year! In the old days the pork of Umbria was highly prized during the Roman...
On January the 6th in many countries Epiphany is celebrated. Also in Italy, but here people often call it "la Befana". La Befana is a friendly witch who delivers sweets and presents for the good children in Italy. On the night before January the 6th, the children hang...
Mothersday and fathersday I am familiar with most but what about grandparentsday? They have it in Italy, on 2 October to be exact. At schools children make presents for their nonni (grandparents) and here and there they organise a special day at school! Since in rural...
Vino? The usual question of our genial neighbour was uttered as soon as we stepped on their turf. Ah no grazie, and than an excuse followed. Well we do have to climb a kilometre back up a hill which with 35C temperatures and alcohol running through your veins is not...
'T'ammazzo!' she yelled at the smiling small boy sitting next to her wielding a large knife. What lovely peope they are I thought to myself. I sat at the head of a long table filled with family, not mine...
It took some time but it now is official, March 17 has been declared a national holiday in Italy celebrating the 150th anniversary of its unification. Some Italians are/were not so sure if this is a cause for celebration but there it is. Only this year. Now in Italy...
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