Weekly Dose of Italian Culture #25

Welcome to the 25th Edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture!

Italian Movie

Compagni di Scuola (1988, Schoolmates) is a Carlo Verdone comedy-drama about a group of middle-aged former classmates getting together for a high school reunion. What starts as a lighthearted event soon unravels long-buried tensions and unresolved issues, changing each of them as they return to their lives. Over the years, it has become a cult classic, with some of its quotes still widely used by Italian social media users.

Italian Song

The song of the week is Rajasthan by Ginevra, an evocative song with a sound that is quite different from the typical Italian pop sound.

Famous Italian

Eleonora Giorgi (1953–2025) was a beloved Italian actress who rose to fame in the 1970s and '80s by starring in a series of popular comedies (including the movie featured above). She recently passed away after a battle with cancer. Her death became major news in Italy, demonstrating how much the public still loved her.

Italian Landmark

Rocca Calascio is a stunning mountaintop fortress located in the municipality of Calascio, in the Province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo.

Built in the 10th century, it sits at an elevation of approximately 1,460 meters (4,790 feet), holding the distinction of being the highest fortress in the Apennines. It is open to the public and worth visiting if you are in the L’Aquila area.

Photo by Angelo Casto on Unsplash

Pop Moment

During a segment of Non è la Rai in 1991, where callers participated in the Cruciverbone (the big crossword puzzle), a contestant named Maria Grazia gave the correct (and obscure) answer to an empty row before host Enrica Bonaccorti even had a chance to read the clue. Realizing the game had been rigged, Bonaccorti immediately called out the fraud on air.

Instead of being praised for her integrity, she was reprimanded by network executives for not handling the situation discreetly. Feeling unsupported, she left the show and this ultimately killed her career. The case even went to trial, but in classic Italian fashion, the contestant claimed she had dreamed the answer, and the court acquitted her due to lack of evidence.

Italian Dish

Not quite a dish, but definitely an Italian treat, confetti are sugar-coated almonds (or sometimes chocolates). (Fun fact: what we call confetti in English are actually called coriandoli in Italian.)

These sweets are traditionally given as part of bomboniere, the favors handed out at weddings and other celebrations. The most famous confetti in Italy come from Sulmona, a town in Abruzzo known for its artisanal production. They are often arranged in flower-like shapes, making for both a beautiful and delicious display.

Photo by Sterling Lanier on Unsplash

Italian Proverb

A mali estremi, estremi rimedi.
(Literal: For extreme evils, extreme remedies.)

This proverb is the Italian equivalent of Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Italian Custom

Before entering a place we don’t own, in Italy it’s common to say “permesso”. Even if it’s clear that we’re welcome, like when visiting someone’s home or arriving for a doctor’s appointment. It’s a polite way to show respect and ask for permission before stepping in.

I hope you enjoyed this edition of Weekly Dose of Italian Culture. A presto!