At the end of October, Americans celebrate Halloween, but the Italians celebrate All Saints Day. Halloween is a relatively new “imported” holiday for the Italians, and traditional Italians thumb their noses at the “Trick or Treat” or “Dolcetto o Scherzetto” scene. They prefer to save dressing up for … [Read more...] about Borgo a Mozzano—the place to find the Devil on All Saints Day in Italy
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Etiquette of the Italian kiss
In Italy, it is a common practice to greet someone with a light kiss on both their cheeks. This is true even if you are just newly acquainted or if you have known someone for quite a long time. At an Italian social event, you can just imagine that half the time is spent kissing people, hello, and … [Read more...] about Etiquette of the Italian kiss
Who was Garibaldi and who did he love?
One of the most famous and mythical stories in history is that between Giuseppe and Anita Garibaldi. The event that changed their lives took place on July 21, 1839. While he was in South America to fight alongside the separatists of the Rio Grande, Garibaldi, during an inspection in the small town … [Read more...] about Who was Garibaldi and who did he love?
Fiera del Libro San Francisco Celebrates Italian Cultural week
It is my extreme pleasure to speak at the Fiera del LibroThe Italian Book Fairat the invitation of Libreria Pino & l’Istituto Italiano Cultura in San Francisco The book fair falls during Italian Culture Week and celebrates the Italian language and culture through books. It seems appropriate, … [Read more...] about Fiera del Libro San Francisco Celebrates Italian Cultural week
Leonardo’s advice—Sketch everything you see
“Now…let me see, where do I start? Yes, well…naturally an artist must begin by carefully studying all the inconsequential things around them—horses, gears, muscles, cats, dogs, noses, fingers, and toes. Look closely. Let nothing escape your inquisitive eye.” This is the advice Leonardo da Vinci … [Read more...] about Leonardo’s advice—Sketch everything you see
Giorgio Vasari First Art Historian
Have you heard of Giorgio Vasari? He was an Italian painter, architect, writer, and historian. But, most importantly he is famous for one particular written work called “Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects.” He is considered the “father” of art … [Read more...] about Giorgio Vasari First Art Historian
Ponte Vecchio Florence’s Historical Bridge
It seems the Ponte Vecchio in Florence is always in the news for one reason or another! Are you familiar with the famous landmark? Have you walked across one of the original Florentine bridges that connect the Oltrarno to the city center? At the foot of the bridge, it is said Dante waited each … [Read more...] about Ponte Vecchio Florence’s Historical Bridge
Meeting Sophia Loren! A dream comes true!
It is really quite remarkable! Last Saturday evening I had the pleasure of meeting Sophia Loren! Days later and I am still walking on air. After all, we are talking about one of Italy’s film icons! The leading lady of Italia! This crazy girl… ME…actually kissed Miss Loren on both cheeks, in the … [Read more...] about Meeting Sophia Loren! A dream comes true!
La Ciociara (Two Women) – A film starring Sophia Loren
To read this post in Italian, please visit the Matta Blog. Click here. La Ciociara (in English: Two Women) is a film starring Sophia Loren. I've been hosting a film festival of Sophia Loren's film recently and I began with this one which is one of my all-time favorites. The film is a revelatory … [Read more...] about La Ciociara (Two Women) – A film starring Sophia Loren
An Art Blog is Born!
The Art of Loving Italy is a website about art, but it is also a mentality. It is a way of seeing the world and all the beauty in it. Are you curious about art? Did you study Art in school — loved it — but now can't remember the difference between Renaissance and Baroque? Do you … [Read more...] about An Art Blog is Born!
