How is the Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione) celebrated in Italy?

The Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione in Italian), observed as an Italian public holiday every December 8th, honours the Catholic dogma declared by Pope Pius IX in 1854. This doctrine affirms that the Virgin Mary was free from original sin from the moment of her conception, a belief rooted in Catholic tradition. The day holds significance …

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The Most Popular Italian Names for Girls

Choosing the name for a newborn is a cherished ritual that means a lot to every parent-to-be. It’s not just about honouring family traditions or nodding to modern trends, but delving into a deeper narrative that will become a part of the child’s identity. Good old ancient Romans encapsulated this belief in the adage “nomen …

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What’s the difference between Pandoro and Panettone?

As the holiday season approaches, Italy awakens with a symphony of festive flavours and time-honoured traditions. Among the many enchanting customs, the spotlight gleams brightly on two iconic Christmas treats: panettone and pandoro. These desserts not only grace Italian tables with their presence but also carry a rich cultural legacy that transcends generations. In this …

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Is it easy to learn Italian after Spanish? 

Italian and Spanish are both Romance languages, which means they share a lot of similarities in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Do you already speak Spanish, and now wonder how easy it would be to pick up Italian? Which languages are easiest to learn depend on your background and the other languages you are …

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