Weekly Dose of Italian Culture #18
Welcome to the 18th Edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture! Each week, we delve into some unique aspects of Italy's rich culture.
Italian Movie of the Week
Il Postino (1994, The Postman) is a touching film about a simple postman who forms a life-changing friendship with poet Pablo Neruda. Set in Procida, a picturesque island near Naples, the movie touches on several themes, including love, poetry, and self-discovery.
It received international acclaim and won an Academy Award for Best Original Dramatic Score. Sadly, the lead actor, Massimo Troisi, passed away from heart disease complications shortly after finishing the film.
Italian Song of the Week
This week's song is Fai Rumore by Diodato.
Released in 2020, it won the Sanremo Music Festival and became an anthem during Italy's lockdown, with people playing it or singing it from their balconies.
Famous Italian of the Week
Maria Montessori (1870 – 1952) was a pioneering educator and physician best known for developing the Montessori method of education. Her innovative approach focused on child-centered learning, practical activities, and collaborative play. Today, Montessori schools are well-respected and available worldwide.
Italian City of the Week
This week's featured city is the world-famous Venice. The capital of the Veneto region, Venice was built on a network of small islands connected by canals and bridges.
Venice is a marvel of engineering and art. In fact, it is built on wood piles driven deep into the mud of the lagoon. These treated piles do not rot because they are submerged underwater where there is little to no oxygen.
Known for its gondole, beautiful palazzi, and iconic piazze, the city is the ultimate romantic destination.
Italian Landmark of the Week
The Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica) is Venice's most famous landmark. Located in Piazza San Marco, this spectacular cathedral is an example of Italo-Byzantine architecture, with its ornate domes, mosaics, and intricate details.
Visitors can marvel at its stunning golden mosaics and climb to the terrace for a stunning view of the square and lagoon.
One word of warning: while in Piazza San Marco, expect to pay a pretty penny to enjoy a coffee or gelato.
Geography Fact of the Week
The Stromboli volcano, located on the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Known as the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean," it has been in almost continuous eruption for the past 2,000 years, allowing visitors to witness natural “fireworks” from a safe distance in a boat.
History Fact of the Week
Did you know that the city of Venice was an independent republic for over a millennium? Established in 697 AD, the Republic of Venice became a major maritime power and a center of commerce and art. It remained independent until 1797, when it was conquered by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Italian Dish of the Week
Ribollita is a traditional Tuscan soup made with bread, beans, and an assortment of vegetables like kale, carrots, and potatoes. The name means "reboiled," as it was typically made by reheating leftover vegetable soup and adding stale bread. This dish is particularly popular during the colder months.
Italian Proverb of the Week
Hai voluto la bicicletta? Adesso pedala.
(You wanted a bicycle, now pedal.)
This proverb is somewhat equivalent to “You made your bed, now lie in it.” It conveys the idea that once you make a decision, you must deal with the consequences of that decision. The phrase does carry a subtle “I told you so” tone, and it’s often used when someone takes on a challenge they underestimated.
Italian Custom of the Week
In Italy, it's customary to enjoy an aperitivo before dinner. This pre-meal drink, often accompanied by light snacks, serves as a social ritual to unwind and stimulate the appetite. It’s typically consumed in the early evening (e.g., 6-8 PM) as Italians tend to have dinner at 8 PM or later. Popular aperitivi include Aperol Spritz, Campari, Negroni, or simply a glass of Prosecco.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture.
Alla prossima!