Weekly Dose of Italian Culture #12
Welcome to the 12th edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture!
Italian Movie of the Week
Il Treno dei Bambini (The Children’s Train, 2024) is a compelling drama centered on a seven-year-old boy named Amerigo. Set in 1946, the story follows Amerigo as he leaves his impoverished family in Naples to live with a wealthier family in the North, part of a post-war initiative aimed at rescuing children from poverty. Recently released, this touching film is now widely available on Netflix.
Italian Song of the Week
Soli (Alone) by Marracash is an introspective track that explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships. It also pays homage to Uomini Soli, a classic Italian song by the pop group Pooh. Recently, in a Facebook post, Pooh gave Marracash their seal of approval for this new hit.
Famous Italian of the Week
Mario Magnotta was a school janitor in the Abruzzo region who became famous when prank phone calls made to him were recorded and widely shared, turning him into an unexpected cultural phenomenon.
The recordings showed Magnotta’s colorful personality and exasperated reactions often characterized by his strong dialect, fiery temper, and quotable sentences.
Over time, he became famous throughout Italy and was even interviewed on national TV (see video below).
Italian City of the Week
The city of the week is Verona. Arguably one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Verona is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and romantic allure. Known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it attracts visitors from around the world who come to see landmarks like Juliet's Balcony, the iconic Arena di Verona, and the picturesque Piazza delle Erbe.
Located in northern Italy (Veneto specifically,) Verona boasts a charming blend of Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and Renaissance art. Its historic center has earned it a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the birthplace of Pandoro (more on this below).
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