The Beauty of Italian Lettering: Fonts, Words & Street Signs

A most beautiful and enchanting photographic diary, this book gathers thirty years of photographs taken by graphic designer Louise Fili during her travels in Italy.

Sweets You Can't Refuse

Below you’ll find our fourteen city’s titans of sweetness, dishing out desserts we can’t say no to. From tiramisu to rum baba to millefoglie, each dessert has a hidden link to the regions of Italy, where every family covets its own recipe. Pastry chefs the world over have brought their own twists on old standards to the best restaurants with creativity and passion. Who can refuse a little sweet during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday? Below are our recommendations. If you have a recommendation of your own, send us an email or visit our Facebook page and we’ll publish it online.

A Pope Called Francis

Bergoglio’s courage to call himself Francis emphasized the need for the Church to change course immediately. That is, to take the word of God to the streets of the world.

The Franciscan Revolution

“He shall be called Francis.” Never before had a name rung with such clarity in the ears of those awaiting word of the new Pope in Saint Peter’s.

Italian President Napolitano Polite But Firm: “Dialogue”

In his customary cordial way, President Giorgio Napolitano read the political elite of Italy the polite equivalent of the riot act. On Tuesday the president made his traditional end-of-year address to the ranking elders of the Italian state, and it obviously represented a carefully considered sermon. He also insinuated that he will end his term of office Jan. 14, after which a new president must be chosen.

Far from Mulberry Street

"Finding the Mother Lode," a new film by Gianfranco Norelli and Suma Kurien, documents the Italian experience in California

The filmakers presented and discussed their latest work, which will be aired as a three-part miniseries on the Public Broadcasting System in February, at a December 15 event at New York University’s Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò.

A Christmas Confusion

‘Twas the notte before Natale, and all through the piazzas
Lets' get into the Christmas spirit with this poem. Something different from Italy!

Not a macchina was stirring, not even the usual pazzas.
The calze were hung by the camino with care
In hopes that Babbo Natale soon would be there.

The Legend of Panettone

A slice of panettone and a flute of champagne (or prosecco)… there is no more Italian way to wish a happy holiday season. It’s a ritual in many homes where panettone is a welcomed guest after every meal. Giving panettone is not a simple act of kindness but a gesture rich in history and tradition

Italy’s Millennial Youth Under the Microscope

Two new studies are examining under the microscope Italy’s so-called millennial generation, to analyze both their aspirations and the ways they are facing a new globalized world while challenged by tough economic prospects at home. During 2013 some 82,000 young people set out for foreign pastures, almost 21% more than in 2012; of this new generation of Italian emigres, one out of six holds a degree from an Italian university. The effects have brought real change in family relationships, but also in politics.