Weekly Dose of Italian Culture #11
Welcome to the 11th edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture!
Thanks to your valuable feedback, I’m excited to introduce a fresh format this week! Rather than diving deep into just a few topics, I’ve expanded the newsletter to include more slimmer sections.
Enjoy discovering more of Italy in bite-sized pieces!
This 11th edition is fully accessible to free subscribers, so feel free to share your thoughts on the new format in the comments.
Italian Movie of the Week
Io non ho paura (I’m Not Scared, 2003) is a gripping coming-of-age drama about a young boy in rural southern Italy who discovers a boy locked up in a well, testing his courage and moral integrity.
Italian Song of the Week
Sarà perché ti amo (It must be because I love you), a hit song by the pop band Ricchi e Poveri, was released in 1981 and remains as popular as ever, thanks to its revival on platforms like TikTok, where it’s often featured in Italy-related trends.
Famous Italian of the Week
Mike Bongiorno was an Italian-American television host and broadcasting pioneer, who is often called the "father of Italian television" for revolutionizing quiz shows and variety programming in Italy.
Italian City of the Week
Trieste, the capital of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, is a charming port city in northeastern Italy. It’s celebrated for its unique blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austro-Hungarian influences, stunning seafront, and rich literary heritage. A must-visit!
Italian Landmark of the Week
Miramare Castle, located in the aforementioned Trieste, is a breathtaking 19th-century fortress overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. Surrounded by lush gardens, it’s steeped in history and romance, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Geography Fact of the Week
Cinque Terre, meaning "Five Lands," refers to five picturesque villages along the Ligurian coast. Namely: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Known for their colorful cliffside homes, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History Fact of the Week
The Lateran Pacts (1929) between the Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See resolved the "Roman Question," establishing Vatican City as a sovereign state. The agreements recognized Catholicism as Italy’s state religion (at the time), introduced weekly religious education in schools, and provided tax exemptions for the Church.
Italian Dish of the Week
Parmigiana di melanzane (Eggplant Parmesan) is a beloved vegetarian dish from southern Italy, particularly popular in Campania and Sicily. Made by layering fried eggplant with tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil, it’s baked to golden perfection—a true comfort food and one of my favorites.
Italian Proverb of the Week
Meglio soli che male accompagnati.
(Better alone than in bad company.)
This proverb reminds us that it’s better to be alone than in harmful or unpleasant company and is often used consolingly after conflicts or breakups.
Italian Custom of the Week
Tombola is a festive Italian game similar to bingo, traditionally played during Christmas. A caller draws numbers from a bag while players mark them on their cartelle (cards) with randomly assigned numeri (numbers). Prizes are awarded for combinations like ambo (two numbers in a row), terno (three), quaterna (four), cinquina (five), and tombola (a full card). It’s a cherished tradition, filled with laughter and friendly competition.
I hope you enjoyed this 11th edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture! A presto!