Weekly Dose of Italian Culture #17
Welcome to the 17th Edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture! A series that takes you on a journey through Italy and its culture.
Italian Movie of the Week
L'incredibile storia dell'isola delle rose (2020, Rose Island) is based on the true story of an engineer who decided to create his own microstate on an artificial island in the middle of the sea, off the coast of Rimini. His “crazy” project captured the imagination of many and challenged the concept of sovereignty in Italy, making it a very peculiar story in Italy’s modern history. The movie is available on Netflix.
Italian Song of the Week
This week's song is Amandoti by Settembre, a catchy, short song that mixes Italian and Neapolitan. It was released less than a year ago so, while popular, it’s not quite a classic yet.
Famous Italian of the Week
Enrico Fermi (1901 - 1954) was one of the most influential physicists in the world. He invented the world's first artificial nuclear reactor, among countless other inventions, and was a key member of the Manhattan Project.
He won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1938. In 1954 he died of cancer, likely caused by his exposure to nuclear radiation. He was aware of the risks but felt the benefits outweighed his personal safety.
Italian City of the Week
This week’s featured Italian city is Lecce, located in the beautiful Salento area of the Puglia (Apulia) region. Lecce is renowned as one of the most photogenic cities in southern Italy and is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and golden sandstone buildings that glow in the sun. Architecture that earned it its nickname of the “Florence of the South.”
Italian Landmark of the Week
The Basilica di Santa Croce in Lecce (shown above) is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, famous for its intricate façade adorned with floral motifs, cherubs, and mythical creatures. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see if you are staying in Puglia.
Geography Fact of the Week
One of the most beautiful national parks in the world is the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise (Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park). Located in central Italy (mostly Abruzzo), it is famous for its stunning landscapes of rugged mountains, dense forests, and pristine rivers and lakes. The park is also a haven for wildlife, including the iconic Marsican brown bear, Apennine wolves, and golden eagles. Its natural beauty and ecological importance make it a true treasure for wildlife and nature lovers.
History Fact of the Week
Did you know that Italy was shortchanged in World War I? Despite entering the war as an ally of the Americans and British, and investing immense resources (including roughly half a million lives ) Italy received far less than it was promised.
Under the Treaty of London (1915), Italy was guaranteed several territories, including parts of Dalmatia and the Austrian Littoral. However, after the war ended, these promises were not fully honored. Nationalists referred to this betrayal as a vittoria mutilata (Mutilated Victory).
Furthermore, much of the spoils of war and reparations went to other Allies like France and Britain, leaving Italy in shambles.
This economic instability played a significant role in the rise of Benito Mussolini, who sided with Germany and Japan in World War II.
Italian Dish of the Week
Cannoli are a classic Italian treat made of a crispy pastry shell filled with a sweet ricotta filling. They’re often topped with chocolate chips, candied fruit, or crushed pistachios and dusted with powdered sugar. Originally from Sicily, they’ve become a favorite dessert throughout Italy and even worldwide.
Italian Proverb of the Week
Aiutati, che Dio t’aiuta.
(Help yourself, and God will help you.)
It’s a common proverb that reminds us of the importance of taking the initiative to solve our own challenges and things might just fall into place.
Italian Custom of the Week
Italians have this oddly persistent belief that you shouldn’t swim (or even take a bath) for at least 2-3 hours after eating a full meal. If it was just a snack, you might get away with waiting an hour.
As kids, this was the worst. You wanted that ice cream (or lunch), but then you’d have to sit on the beach watching everyone else have fun in the water, stuck in food-timeout.
Of course, there’s no science to back this up. Sure, maybe don’t eat a five-course feast from Nonna Nunzia and then swim 10 miles in the freezing Atlantic, but a fun swim in 82°F/28°C water after a snack? You’ll be fine.
So it was all for naught. It was all for naught! 😅
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture.
Alla prossima!
We have the same thing about eating and swimming here in Australia.
Hi Antonio, thank you very much for your posts - always enjoyable reading. Lisa (Australia)