Epiphany is a religious holiday celebrated on January 6. In Italy, though, we also celebrate La Befana, an old woman, a witch-like character, who brings gifts to the good kids and coal and garlic to the naughty ones.
Inspired by the many top 10 lists I’ve seen over the last few days, I’ve decided to publish mine too!
The tradition of presepe has ancient roots. In Italy the nativity scene was for a very long time the only Christmas decoration, and it is still a wonderful tradition today.
December 8 is a national holiday. We celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the real beginning of the Christmas holidays: let the celebrations begin!
November is the month of the olive harvest in Tuscany. This year the new olive oil is delicious: bright green and slightly spicy.
Urban trekking is an excellent way to discover the lesser-known parts of the most beautiful cities in Italy. It is a way to slow down and experience the local life and one of the most sustainable forms of tourism. Here is the program of the National Urban Trekking Day in Tuscany (October 31, 2009).
The fall is probably my favourite season. In Tuscany there is a wealth of delicious seasonal products: chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, white truffles, the new olive oil, and vino novello (the new wine).
My family has made its own wine for decades. I have many dear memories of the “vendemmia”, the grape harvest. For those who have no idea how the “non professional” grape harvest works, here is what happens in my family every year.
Ferragosto, August 15th, is a very popular holiday in Italy. It is a religious holiday celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the most popular day for a “gita fuori porta”, a daytrip to the beach or to the mountains.
The night of San Lorenzo, August 10th, is the night of the shooting stars, a magical midsummer night when all dreams come true.
This blog is written by a born and bred Tuscan who wishes to share her love for this region with as many people as possible. It's about living here, but also about travelling, learning, experiencing, and enjoying life in Tuscany.
It's about feeling at home in Tuscany.
A wonderful opportunity for the independent traveller seeking privacy and a pleasant atmosphere
