Welcome to the ItalyMammaMia Blog, your go-to source for the latest news and all the wonderful things Italy has to offer! I am Maria, the founder and curator, and I am excited to share my deep passion and love for this remarkable country with you.
At ItalyMammaMia, we strive to provide not only the freshest updates from Italy but also engaging articles and breathtaking visuals that highlight the country’s beauty and charm. From scenic landscapes to delectable recipes and essential travel tips, our content covers a diverse range of topics to ignite your wanderlust for your next Italian adventure.
We also offer vital information and resources to make sure your trip to Italy is truly memorable. From practical advice on traveling to insider recommendations, we are dedicated to equipping you with everything you need to maximize your Italian journey.
So, come along and fully immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and magic of Italy—let’s create unforgettable memories together!
Sep 25, 2024
An Italian Town with an Irish Soul
Casalattico, a quaint village nestled in the hills of Frosinone, shares a unique connection with Ireland! In the early 1900s, numerous families from Casalattico and nearby towns like Picinisco left for Ireland in search of work, primarily settling in Dublin. They quickly gained fame for their ice cream parlors, cafés, and fish-and-chip shops, which have since become cherished parts of Irish culture.
Interestingly, about 80% of the Italian community in Ireland traces its roots back to Casalattico and its neighboring towns. Many of these families maintain strong ties to their homeland, often visiting during summer months or keeping homes in the area, ensuring their connection remains vibrant.
A fantastic way to experience this link is through the annual Casalattico Irish Festival held every August. This lively event celebrates the strong bond between Italy and Ireland with a delightful mix of traditions from both cultures, featuring music, dancing, and scrumptious food. It’s a perfect opportunity for those with Irish roots to return to their ancestral village, rekindle family ties, and embrace the festive spirit. For locals, it’s an occasion to honor their village’s rich connection to Ireland.
If you find yourself in the area in August, don’t miss the Casalattico Irish Festival—a fabulous celebration of two cultures coming together and a testament to the enduring ties to Ireland!
Sep 25, 2024
An Italian Town with an Irish Soul
Casalattico, a quaint village nestled in the hills of Frosinone, shares a unique connection with Ireland! In the early 1900s, numerous families from Casalattico and nearby towns like Picinisco left for Ireland in search of work, primarily settling in Dublin. They quickly gained fame for their ice cream parlors, cafés, and fish-and-chip shops, which have since become cherished parts of Irish culture.
Interestingly, about 80% of the Italian community in Ireland traces its roots back to Casalattico and its neighboring towns. Many of these families maintain strong ties to their homeland, often visiting during summer months or keeping homes in the area, ensuring their connection remains vibrant.
A fantastic way to experience this link is through the annual Casalattico Irish Festival held every August. This lively event celebrates the strong bond between Italy and Ireland with a delightful mix of traditions from both cultures, featuring music, dancing, and scrumptious food. It’s a perfect opportunity for those with Irish roots to return to their ancestral village, rekindle family ties, and embrace the festive spirit. For locals, it’s an occasion to honor their village’s rich connection to Ireland.
If you find yourself in the area in August, don’t miss the Casalattico Irish Festival—a fabulous celebration of two cultures coming together and a testament to the enduring ties to Ireland!
Sep 18, 2024
Where to Stay in Naples: A Guide to the Top Neighborhoods and Hotels
If you’re wondering where to stay in Naples, we’ve got the perfect guide for you! Discover the best hotels and neighborhoods that offer a range of options from historic charm to stunning seafront views.
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Sep 17, 2024
Amalfi Coast: Where to Stay?
Looking for the perfect spot to stay on the Amalfi Coast? We’ve got a breathtaking recommendation that feels like heaven on earth.
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Sep 10, 2024
The 6 Greatest Italian Songs Ever
O Sole Mio (My Own Sunshine) – 1898 This renowned Neapolitan song, “O Sole Mio,” is a classic that encapsulates the essence of Naples with its vivid imagery of sunshine. Its widespread popularity spans generations, with legendary performances by Luciano Pavarotti and Elvis Presley, making it a cornerstone of Italian cultural heritage.
Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu) – 1958 “Volare” is an exuberant anthem that has become quintessential to Italian music. Written by Domenico Modugno, this Grammy-winning song celebrates the dream of soaring through the vibrant blue sky. With numerous covers by icons like Sinatra and Armstrong, “Volare” remains a joyful embodiment of Italian creativity.
Funiculì Funiculà – 1880 This lively Neapolitan tune, inspired by the launch of the Vesuvius funicular, swiftly became an international sensation. Composed by Luigi Denza, “Funiculì Funiculà” exudes a spirit of adventure and innovation, cementing its place in popular culture through appearances in films, cartoons, and commercials.
Quando, Quando, Quando – 1962 A beloved classic infused with bossa nova rhythms, “Quando, Quando, Quando” has charmed audiences across the globe. Written by Tony Renis and Alberto Testa, this romantic melody has gained popularity in movies, TV shows, and countless cover versions, showcasing its enduring appeal.
Gloria – 1979 Umberto Tozzi’s “Gloria” is a vibrant and passionate song that gained worldwide acclaim, particularly with Laura Branigan’s chart-topping cover. Its infectious energy and powerful lyrics articulate a longing for elusive love, making “Gloria” a celebrated anthem across cultures and generations.
Con te partirò (With You I Shall Leave) – 1995 Andrea Bocelli’s “Con te partirò” is a grand ballad that has mesmerized listeners worldwide. Initially achieving modest success in Italy, the song exploded in popularity internationally. Its operatic splendor and emotive lyrics symbolize Italian musical brilliance and easily rank among the best-selling singles ever.
Sep 09, 2024
The Definitive List of Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
Imagine being enveloped in the fragrance of jasmine and lemons while colorful cottages cascade down to azure waters. You will fall in love with it here—this is your guide on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast.
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Sep 06, 2024
Why Italy’s Road Death Rate Is Lower Than the USA’s
Did you know that Italy’s road death rate stands at 5.2 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the USA’s 12.9? This might lead one to believe Italians are exceptional drivers, but the reality is more complex than that.
A key factor lies in the **size of the vehicles**. In the U.S., larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks are favored, which, while they may protect those inside, can be deadly for drivers and passengers in smaller cars. The considerable weight and bulk of these vehicles often result in severe accidents, leading to tragic outcomes.
In contrast, Italy is filled with **smaller cars**. You’re more likely to encounter a compact Fiat or a petite city vehicle navigating the narrow streets rather than oversized trucks. Although smaller cars might be at risk in certain collisions, they generally lessen the damage caused in a crash.
Additionally, the **design of Italian roads** naturally moderates driving behavior. With narrow streets, roundabouts, and heavy foot traffic, speeding recklessly isn’t feasible, unlike the long, straight highways commonly found in the U.S.
Thus, while Italians are undoubtedly skilled behind the wheel, the lower road death rate can be attributed more to the **types of vehicles** and **road conditions** rather than driver caution alone.
Aug 31, 2024
Italy’s New €25 a Day Tourist Tax Proposal
Just when you thought Italy couldn’t surprise us any further, a new proposal might impact your travel plans. Italy’s considering a substantial €25 per day tourist tax on hotel accommodations! Yes, you heard correctly—twenty-five euros EVERY DAY!
So, what’s the rationale behind this? According to reports, Italy aims to implement this hefty charge to manage the overwhelming influx of tourists flocking to its stunning cities and landscapes each year. The goal is to help preserve Italy’s rich cultural heritage while alleviating pressure on its infrastructure. However, let’s be honest—how many of us can easily spare an extra €25 daily on top of our travel expenses?
Just envision planning a week-long getaway to Rome. That’s an additional €175 per room simply for taxes! If you have a family requiring multiple rooms, your total could skyrocket! This isn’t just pocket change; it could significantly impact your overall travel budget.
And this tax wouldn’t only affect Rome; it would span across the board in cities like Venice, Florence, Milan, and beyond. Given that Venice already has an entrance fee, this proposed tax would add to existing charges. Fee tiers are as follows: €5 per room per night for rooms priced under €100; €10 for rooms ranging from €100-€400; €15 for those costing €400-€750; and €25 for accommodations exceeding €750.
What’s even more surprising is the timing of this proposal. The tourism industry is still recovering from the pandemic, and many travelers are being cautious about spending. Such a tax could dissuade visitors, encouraging them to consider alternative, more affordable destinations. There’s a lot of frustration brewing among lesser-known regions, who fear this could hinder their emerging tourism economies.
Not to mention the potential negative impact on local businesses. Restaurants, cafés, and shops rely heavily on tourist patronage. Fewer tourists translate into decreased revenue, which can adversely affect the local economy. Many towns still attempting to attract visitors are understandably alarmed by the government’s proposal.
While we acknowledge the need to safeguard Italy’s treasures and manage tourism sustainably, this seems like a steep price to pay. There must be a more considerate approach that balances preservation and accessibility.
What are your thoughts?
Aug 28, 2024
Discover Vasto: An Italian Coastal Retreat Without the Crowds
Situated between the shimmering turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and the rolling hills of southern Abruzzo, Vasto is an undiscovered gem. Want to know why you should visit?
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