During our last two weeks in Sicily this past fall, we set out to explore previously unvisited villages and cities. First on our list was Punta Secca, on the southwest […]
For the past two years, I was forced to look at a vertical wooden coffin standing in the middle of beautiful, tree-lined Marconi Plaza. Across from the coffin was the […]
Of course, this month’s lesson is dedicated to Valentine’s Day, Italian-style. We begin by citing Italian lovers who are famous throughout history: Paolo and Francesca, the ill-fated pair described in […]
We are skipping our regular alphabetical sequence to examine a few common Italian surnames that relate to Valentine’s Day and terms of love and endearment, for which Italians are well […]
This month’s lesson is the study of clothing with a few useful words and expressions for clothing. With winter upon us, we’ll put a little extra emphasis on your winter […]
Change can be spaventoso (spa-vent-o-so) scary, but anything becomes less scary when you have someone by your side. Last year was pieno (pea-a-no) full of changes for me. I was […]
This issue’s surnames begin with the letter R. RICCARDI – This surname derives from the ancient French first name Richard. It has numerous families with this surname. It is present […]
If I close my eyes, I can vividly recall the emotions, aromas, and flavors of the various holidays from my childhood both in Italy and Philadelphia, to which I immigrated […]
I have heard of La Befana throughout my family and in school. I was incredibly lucky to be able to take a trip to Italy to see all my cousins […]
I have had many wonderful experiences in the brief time since I moved in with my new mamma and papa. I am almost always with Mamma except when she volunteers […]
For obvious reasons, this month’s surname feature focuses historically, directly or indirectly, to Christmas and/or their biblical origins. This month’s feature also confirms that which our regular monthly feature doesn’t […]
Unlike the United States, that generally recognizes Thanksgiving as the day that ushers in the nation’s Christmas holiday season, in Italy “the season opener” can vary depending where in Italy […]
The Syracusia was the largest ship ever built at the time of its construction, around 240 BCE. By Jeanne Cannavo Every time you take a plane, watch a ship sail […]
This issue’s surnames is the first one with those beginning with the letter R. RABOTTINI – This surname derives from the regional word “rabotino, rabbottino,” meaning a carpenter’s plane. It […]
Whether your family chooses to keep the family gatherings small or large, this lesson will teach how to add an Italian flair to your Thanksgiving. Though the lesson is not […]
By Maverick Cannavo Non mi ricordo (non me ree-cord-oh) I don’t remember much of the weeks after I was born but I do remember when they took me away from […]
This month Sara would like to introduce you to her new baby brother Maverick. Anche lui (an-kay lou-e) was abbandonato (a ban-do-na-to) abandoned like she was many years ago. It […]
This month’s surname column features surnames that start with the letter C, and for a special reason. Since October is the month when Italian Americans celebrate Columbus Day and it […]
As in past October issues, the Herald will dedicate this issue’s lesson to Halloween. Halloween has become a big celebration in Italy. Although it is regarded by some as another […]
The Jewish “Ghetto” of Rome is not often on tourists’ list of places to visit in Rome, but it is well worth an exploration for those who have the time. […]
Mamma and nonna are always on the lookout for a local sagra (sa-gra) food festival when they are searching for a new experience in Italia. Many small towns across Italy […]
This month our surname features names that begin with the letter Q. QUAGLIA – This surname derives from the Italian word “quaglia,” meaning quail. It is registered in the bureaus […]
Although Italian is the official language of Italy, it’s not widely known that the country boasts some 34 spoken languages and/or related “dialects” that can be subdivided into hundreds more. […]
Italian immigrants changed the culture and the language Argentina is home to over 1 million Italians and represents the largest population of Italians outside Italy, based on 2019 statistics from […]
Some 147 years ago, Italian immigrants settling in Hammonton, N.J., founded Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society, an independent nonprofit Catholic organization, as an expression of unity and gratitude for […]