Italy has only been a country for about 150 years, and before that was a series of independent city-states. When it was first united in 1861, its head of government was king Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia. Less than 100 years later, the Italian monarchy came to an end and Italy’s June 2nd holiday celebrates […]
Tag Archives: holiday
05
Jan
Jan
The Christmas season doesn’t really end until Italy’s January 6 holiday – L’epifania, or the Epiphany. But more colloquially, Italy’s January 6 holiday is known as La Befana. The Epiphany is a religious holiday which has become a national holiday in Italy. That means that businesses, schools and governments offices will all close to observe […]
Italy, Life in Italy
L’Immacolata: Italy’s December 8th Holiday for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
08
Dec
Dec
December 8th is a public holiday in Italy, known locally as L’Immacolata. The holiday celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Businesses, schools and government office all close in order to honor the Virgin Mary (la Madonna), the mother of Jesus who is thought to be free from sin according to Catholic tradition. In Rome, […]
09
Dec
Dec
There are plenty of things that I don’t understand about Italy. A lot of the times, my incomprehension stems from a language barrier. But some of the time, it’s a religious barrier that leaves me completely in the dark. I don’t come from a Catholic background, so there are a ton of “new” holidays that […]