Weekly Dose of Italian Culture #20
Welcome to the 20th Edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture! Each week, we explore new aspects of Italy's vast and rich culture.
Italian Movie of the Week
Roma Città Aperta (1945, Rome Open City) is a masterpiece of Italian cinema by filmmaker Roberto Rossellini. Set during World War II, it vividly portrays the atmosphere of the era and the anti-fascist efforts of the resistance. The film played a key role in shaping Italian cinematography and received international acclaim, bringing Anna Magnani and Aldo Fabrizi into the global spotlight.
Italian Song of the Week
The song of the week is Questo corpo by La rappresentante di lista.
Famous Italian of the Week
The famous Italian for this week is Antonio Di Pietro. He rose to national prominence in the early 1990s as a prosecutor during the Mani Pulite trials, where he played a key role in exposing widespread political corruption. He was also a pioneer in the use of technology in high-profile trials.
Following his success in the courtroom, Di Pietro transitioned into politics, where he became a member of the Italian Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, and even the European Parliament.
Italian City of the Week
The city of the week is Bergamo. Located in Lombardia, it boasts stunning architecture, excellent cuisine, and a more relaxed pace compared to nearby Milan. Though it was hit hard during the pandemic, Bergamo has made a remarkable recovery in recent years. Its resilience and progress earned it the title of the best city for quality of life in Italy in 2024, as awarded by Il Sole 24 Ore, a financial newspaper that evaluates the country's top provinces.
Italian Landmark of the Week
Bergamo Alta is the historic heart of the city, perched above the modern lower town, Bergamo Bassa. This charming medieval city is characterized by its architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and breathtaking panoramic views of the modern city below. Enclosed by the impressive Venetian Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bergamo Alta is home to landmarks such as Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the iconic Campanone Tower.
Geography Fact of the Week
Italy is home to the tallest mountain in Western Europe, Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), which stands at 4,810 meters (15,781 feet). Sitting at the border between Italy and France, this majestic peak is part of the Alps and a renowned destination for mountaineers, skiers, and nature lovers. The Italian side, accessible from Courmayeur in the Valle d’Aosta region, offers stunning landscapes, world-class skiing, and the Skyway Monte Bianco (a cable car that provides incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.)
History Fact of the Week
After World War II, Italy held a referendum on June 2, 1946, in which the country voted to become a republic, marking the end of the monarchy.
King Umberto II, who had ascended the throne only on May 9, 1946, ruled for just 34 days before being deposed.
Following the abolition of the monarchy, Umberto II lived in exile in Portugal, never returning to Italy. Due to his exceptionally short reign, he is often referred to as the re di maggio (The May King).
Italian Dish of the Week
Olive all'Ascolana are stuffed and fried olives that originate from the Marche region, specifically the province of Ascoli Piceno. These delicious appetizers are made using Olive Ascolane del Piceno DOP, a prized local variety known for its large size and delicate flavor. Traditionally, the olives are pitted and stuffed with a savory mixture of finely ground meats, eggs, cheese, and spices before being breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Italian Proverb of the Week
L’abito non fa il monaco.
(The dress doesn’t make the monk.)
Essentially, don’t judge a book by its cover. Appearances can be deceiving.
Italian Custom of the Week
Sagre are traditional Italian food festivals that celebrate local cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and regional specialties. Held throughout Italy, often in small towns and villages, these festivals bring communities together to enjoy authentic dishes, music, and cultural traditions.
Each sagra is typically dedicated to a specific food or ingredient, such as truffles, chestnuts, porchetta, sausages, pasta, olives, or seafood, showcasing the best local products. They often feature street stalls, communal dining, and live entertainment, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture.
A presto!