Hidden Treasures of Italy

Memories of Augusts Past – Italian and American

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

August 13, 2026

My memories of Augusts past are a cumulation of my childhood in Southwest Philly with my Italian family and American friends, as well as, the many August days I spent in Italy throughout my life.

As a little girl in Philly I spent many August days just waiting for the Mister Softee truck to come by, or the even more enticing truck, that came around in the evening with a fantastic ride, the wonderful whip. I remember the hucksters from Jersey on early Saturday mornings selling the most wonderful tomatoes in the alley in back of my house. Those same tomatoes were soon to become sauce that my Mother, Sister, Father, and I would jar for days. It was a ritual, we never ate canned tomatoes, the sauce my mother made was also so scrumptious, and it was because of the fresh tomatoes. I can still taste it in my dreams.

Those August days in Southwest Philly were filled with screaming and joyful children under the fire plug, there were few families that had air conditioning. Fun under the fire plug would cool us off, and we even had time for water balloons. There was always a visit to Mrs. Fagan’s candy store for dozens of penny candies for our purchase. In the evenings we would sit on the step with neighbors, telling stories, lots of jokes, and endless games of pinochle. The highlight was mostly the carnivals that were either at Saint Barnabas, Our Lady of Czestochowa, and the finest Italian festival at our Lady of Loreto.

My childhood memories in Italy were poignant and all about the Feast of the Assumption on August 15 in my hometown of Nusco. It started with a procession to the small church in the country of La Madonna Dell ’Assunta. We fasted before Mass and brought a picnic or la scampagnata for after church which we enjoyed with our family and friends in the fresh country air. The mid-afternoon meal was sumptuous, as this feast day is one of the most important ones in Italy. Delicacies like cavatelli, roasted meats, eggplants, peppers, and lots of luscious cheeses, were some of the treats I remember. My August days in Italy were about getting gelato, one at 11AM and one a 7PM. August constituted two gelatos a day, my favorite was and still is pistachio. The evenings had vendors in the square with sliced watermelons for 10 lira a piece, and those beautiful and tasty hazelnut necklaces. The night was an illumination with spectacular fireworks.

Memories of my hometown are so vivid and of the reddest poppy fields with the background of snow topped mountains on even the hottest August days. I’m thinking about the mini skirt I wore as a teenager in Italy which was frowned upon by all the old ladies in the village, but I still wore it, so surprised that my Nonna didn’t stop me, I think she secretly loved it. I can’t believe I’m an old lady now, una signora vecchia. Really though, I’m always going to be young at heart. Sempre giovane in cuore!

Red poppy meadow with green Alpine hills and snow-capped mountains — **A vibrant poppy meadow unfolds beneath snow-capped Alpine peaks and rolling green hills.**

August is a special month filled with special memories for me, and is the month, Francesco and I became sposi, we are still sposi after 48 years. Our August wedding day in 1978 was the hottest day of the year, but the heat did not stop us from taking pictures and frolicking at the Lakes in South Philly. It was a beautiful day with lots of bees and butterflies.

**Francesco and Joanne – Wedding Day – Photo at The Lakes – FDR Park**

A fond memory is of an August vacation in Abruzzo when we had an amazing picnic with our cousins, I remember cooking pasta outdoors on the open fire, and mixing four different sauces into one, our aunts were all bickering about whose sauce was best, so we decided just to mix them all. It was the most delicious pasta I ever tasted on that sunny and breezy summer day at La Maiella and La Fara San Martino.

Recently August days in 2026 have also been wonderful, with family parties, barbeques, and lots of ice cream with my grandchildren, these are the best days ever. Spending time with the people we love. This August day, I’m savoring all those memories and have tremendous gratitude to God for all my blessings, so many in America and so many in Italy.

Wishing you God’s Blessings for your August days ahead, and Happy Feast of the Assumption and Ferragosto!

About the Author

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, language, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty. She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB. For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/

Parole di Napoli – Words of Naples

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

July 13, 2026

Neapolitan is not the language of Dante, It’s not perfect Italian. What makes it so special are its imperfections. Neapolitan is the language of passion, impatience, impulsiveness, longing, laughter, and music. I grew up speaking only Neapolitan only to learn in my first Italian class in college that I didn’t know how to speak Italian at all. My background did help me however in doing well in Latin and French. The Neapolitan dialect is a distinct Romance language spoken across Southern Italy, deeply intertwined with the region’s dramatic geography and complex history. Rather than being a derivation of Standard Italian, it evolved organically from Vulgar Latin, shaping itself to reflect the resilience and vibrant cultural mosaic of its people.

The natural landscape of Campania which is dominated by the looming presence of Mount Vesuvius and the sparkling, volatile Bay of Naples has historically dictated the pace and tenor of life. The explosive temperament of the volcano and the rhythmic, unpredictable nature of the sea seeped directly into the language, giving it a unique seven-vowel system and highly expressive, guttural consonants. The environment required quick, efficient communication among fishermen, merchants, and farmers, leading to linguistic developments like compressing syllables to convey urgent meaning (e.g., using mò for “now” rather than the Italian ora).

Historically, Naples served as a major Mediterranean crossroads, bringing waves of conquerors that radically altered the dialect’s vocabulary. The region’s initial roots trace back to Greek colonies, which left behind words like petrusino (parsley). In Italian parsley is prezzemolo.

Later, Spanish and French dominions contributed heavily to the lexicon; for example, the Neapolitan word for yesterday is ajere (derived from the Spanish ayer), and the word for napkin is sarvietta (from the French serviette). These imported words didn’t replace the local tongue but layered upon it, creating a rich linguistic tapestry unique to the Kingdom of Naples.

The unification of Italy in 1861 dealt the biggest blow to the dialect, as the newly formed government sought to impose a single, Tuscan-based standard across the country. Despite decades of official repression and attempts to marginalize the language, Neapolitan persevered. Today, despite being classified as “vulnerable” by UNESCO, it remains deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, thriving in historical language, theater, and world-renowned music born from the streets of Naples.

Things described in Neapolitan can’t easily be translated to Italian or English. Here are some examples. In Italian you would say “Ciao Ragazzi” – in Neapolitan you would say -Uè guagliò! – “Hey guys!” or “Hey kid!” This is the most iconic, casual greeting. In Italian, you would simple say “Ti voglio tanto bene”, in Neapolitan you would say – Te voglio bene assaje. – “I love you very much” (a classic romantic and affectionate phrase). Lastly, in Italian you would say, “non ti preoccupare”, in Neapolitan you would say ” futtetenne “, which means “don’t worry about it” or “who cares?” This phrase could have other unsavory meanings so please use this with caution.

Neapolitan perfectly captures the carefree, sometimes rebellious Neapolitan attitude.The Neapolitan language like the people is melodious, colorful and full of life. The most famous Neapolitan saying is ” Ogni scarrafone e bello a’ mamma soja”. This means every cockroach is beautiful to its mother. This saying emphasizes that beauty is subjective and implies a mother’s unconditional love. It was popularized by the legendary Neapolitan singer-songwriter Pino Daniele in his 1991 hit track.

Our dialects define us, there is something infinitely special about the words of our roots. Weather you are Neapolitan or from somewhere else in the Universe, I hope you delve into the language and colloquialisms of your ethnicity. These words make us unique and authentic.

See you soon, or “Ce verimmo aròppo “.

About the Author

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty. She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB. For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/

Italian Fathers

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

June 20, 2026

Italian fathers are the foundational anchors of their households, renowned for deeply intertwining discipline, protection, and unconditional love. Across both Italy and global diasporas, these patriarchs are often characterized by a strong work ethic, an insistence on close-knit family gatherings, and an intense, yet endearing desire to ensure everyone around them is well-fed. Italian fathers embrace the strength and guidance from Italian mothers, who often dominate the family epicenter. The example of Our Lord, our spiritual and everlasting Father is one of the most important examples in an Italian household.

History offers several prominent examples of influential Italian fathers. Galileo Galilei, known as the “father of modern science”, balanced his groundbreaking astronomical and physics discoveries with devotedly caring for and educating his children. Similarly, Victor Emmanuel II was affectionately dubbed the Padre della Patria (Father of the Fatherland) for spearheading the 19th-century Risorgimento to unify Italy, bringing his leadership skills from the battlefield directly to his vision for a new national family.

Modern examples of great Italian and Italian-American fatherhood can be found in cultural figures who openly honor their upbringing. The comedian and actor Sebastian Maniscalco frequently shares humorous anecdotes that highlight his hardworking Italian father’s influence, demonstrating how strict generational values transform into deep familial bonds. Whether they are historic monarchs or working-class immigrants, Italian fathers leave a lasting legacy of resilience and love.

Culturally, these fathers are expected to serve as stern disciplinarians and the ultimate authority figures, keeping a watchful eye on their children’s behavior. Yet, this strict exterior exists alongside a warm, generous heart. They typically express affection through dedicated provision, tireless labor, and storytelling, often relying on time-honored sayings like “questa casa non è un albergo” (this house is not a hotel) to instill responsibility and respect. Respect is a key word in the DNA of Italian fathers, they instill the value of respect and honor into their children. The value of integrity and an excellent reputation are key components in an Italian family. Also the importance of hard work, and gaining success by earning it every step of the way, is something that Italian fathers preach every day.

My Father, Angelo Michele Natale, was a humble Italian immigrant, who loved Italy and America equally, and was so proud to become an American citizen. He was a man that loved nature, and lived a simple life, above all he loved to have the entire family around the family at Sunday dinner. My Dad, was a fantastic story teller, and would spin some true and some embellished accounts of family lore. His stories and love of laughter have remained forever in my heart. Dad was such a strong foundation for me, and the best memory I have of him is on my wedding day when we had our father daughter dance. I’m so lucky to have had him in my life.

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing fathers in the universe. Your love transcends time and space!

About the Author:

Le Mamme ti Amano di piu – Mothers will Always Love you More

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

May 8, 2026

Le Mamme, performed by the iconic Italian singer-songwriter Toto Cutugno, is more than just a pop song; it is a heartfelt cultural ode to the unconditional love, sacrifice, and central role of mothers in Italian society. Presented at the San Remo Music Festival in 1989, the song highlights the sentimental and melodic side of Cutugno’s songwriting, earning him second place and securing a lasting place in Italian popular culture. The song resonates with deep emotion and serves as a testament to the emotional strength of women, often cited as a tribute to the matriarchal foundation of many Italian families. Let’s face it Mothers always rule the roost!

**Toto Cutugno – San Remo Music Festival**

Cutugno mentions the simple, caring acts that define a child’s world, such as her tucking the covers up to his nose when it rained or making sweet cakes that made his mouth water. He describes his mother’s knowing eyes through which he was an open book even without saying a word. The song depicts the sixth sense of Mothers, especially Italian Mothers who just know when something is wrong with their child. In the song Cutugno sings about a mother’s arms as a place to bury himself when he was afraid at night. Simple acts in motherhood remain poignant memories to last a lifetime.

Le Mamme is a deeply emotional tribute to mothers, exploring themes of an everlasting love, that transcends space and time. He really speaks to us about the special gift it is to be a Mother, and what it means to have a Mother’s love.

The recurring refrain in the song—“Le mamme sognano, le mamme invecchiano, le mamme si amano, ma ti amano di più”—translates to that mothers have dreams for us, even as they and we age, they remain vigilant about our happiness, and that while we love our mothers they will always love us more.

Hope you remember the special times you share or shared with your mothers. Wishing all of the amazing moms in the universe a Happy Mother’s Day and thank you for all of your love. I know it is an endless stream of happiness for those who receive it. This is written in memory of my wonderful Mother, Raffaela DellaVecchia Natale.

About the Author

La Pizza Ripiena – An Easter Tradition

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

April 4, 2026

One of my fondest memories as a young girl was making la Pizza Ripiena at Easter with my Mother. It was a tradition to make it on Holy Thursday. My Mother would make dozens of them and then distribute them to our neighbors. We would wait until 12:01pm on Holy Saturday, when my mother would be satisfied that Lent was over, to eat it. We had a wonderful lunch every Holy Saturday, I will never forget that special day, we had the most sumptuous antipasto tray that included the Pizza Ripiena, and other fabulous Easter treats. I still make Pizza Ripiena every year and I make the sign of the cross before I bake it. That’s what my Mother did, asking for God’s Blessings, and thanking Him for them. My pie is usually good but never as good as my Mom’s. Maybe I should pray more!

The Pizza Ripiena Rustica di Pasqua, commonly known as Pizza Rustica or Italian Easter Pie, is a profoundly rich, savory pie that serves as the centerpiece of Southern Italian Easter celebrations. Tracing its origins back to the 17th-century Campania region, particularly Naples, this dish was designed as a celebration of abundance, marking the end of Lenten fasting. It is part of the Easter message, utilizing dairy, eggs, and cured meats to break the forty-day fast with a resurrection of forbidden, rich foods. The basket cheese is really an essential part of this pie – this is only available at Easter. I ordered mine from Centrella’s on Brookline Blvd. in Havertown. You must use the Easter basket cheese for the pie to be authentic.

The history of Pizza Rustica is intertwined with the religious traditions of the Catholic Church. Historically, the Lenten season required strict abstinence from meat, dairy, and animal fats. As a result, the days leading up to Easter Sunday were marked by a surplus of these forbidden items in many kitchens. Neapolitan cooks developed this pie as a practical, yet celebratory, solution to use up ingredients that would otherwise go to waste. By stuffing cheeses (fresh basket cheese, ricotta, parmigiano) and various cured meats (sopressatta, prosciutto, salami, capicola) inside a sturdy pastry crust, they created a hearty dish that could sit for days—usually prepared on Holy Thursday or Good Friday and enjoyed on Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday.

While it originated in Campania, the tradition spread throughout Southern Italy, leading to numerous regional names and variations. Pizza Chiena (or Pizza Gain/Pizzagaina): Common in the Neapolitan dialect, meaning “full pie” or stuffed pizza. Torta Pasqualina is popular in other regions, emphasizing its nature as an Easter cake/pie. The filling varies between households, and regions of Italy, but usually showcasing the rustic nature of the dish. Some versions use a creamy mixture of basket cheese, ricotta and eggs, while others feature layers of hard-boiled eggs, sausage, and cured meats.

As Italian immigrants moved to North America, they brought the tradition with them, cementing it as a staple of Italian American Easter celebrations, often adapting the ingredients to what was available, such as ham and pepperoni. Whether it is called Pizza Rustica, Pizza Chiena, or Pizza Ripiena, this dish remains a celebratory, scrumptious, and historical testament to the end of fasting and the joy of the Easter season. The true message here, is to build traditions with your families, to pass down century-old recipes that are unique, but also build new memories, and honor those who taught us to make them, especially la Pizza Ripiena.

Buona Pasqua!

About the Author

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty. She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB. For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.

Father’s Day & St. Joseph’s Day in Italy

**St. Joseph Day Cake – Isgro’s in Philadelphia**

March 19, 2026

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

Happy St. Joseph’s Day and Happy Father’s Day to everyone in the Universe but especially to everyone in Italy. The celebration of Father’s Day or the Festa del Papa in Italy is deeply connected to the religious feast of Saint Joseph San Giuseppe, and is observed every March 19. The feast day is a combination of the sacred and family traditions which makes it into a nationwide tribute to fatherhood, which includes the infamous centuries-old St. Joseph’s Day cake!

The choice of March 19 for Father’s Day is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is revered as the ultimate symbol of devotion, protection, and humble labor. St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers, carpenters, and workers. The feast day dates back to the Middle Ages. In Sicily, legend says people prayed to St. Joseph to end a devastating famine; when the rains came, they honored him with a “St. Joseph’s Table”- Tavola di San Giuseppe filled with food for the poor.

While it originated as a religious feast, it was officially recognized as a national holiday in Italy in 1968, though it is no longer a public day off. A part of this celebration is the distribution and enjoyment of le zeppole di San Giuseppe. The day is a reprieve from the Lenten fast, and what a way to celebrate with these light choux pastries which are either deep fried or baked. The filling could be ricotta and chocolate or pastry creams in all flavors. Some legends say St. Joseph sold fried dough to support his family during the flight to Egypt, linking the act of frying to his name.

**St. Joseph & The Christ Child** **– Oil on Canvas Painting – Artist Unknown**

Today, Father’s Day in Italy remains a blend of these ancient customs and modern gestures. Children in schools often spend the day creating handmade cards, drawings, or reciting poems for their fathers. Families gather for festive, often meatless, meals (as the day falls during Lent), ending the lunch with a tray of St. Joseph’s Day cakes from regional pastries from the local pasticceria. In every bite of a zeppola, Italians celebrate not just their own fathers, but a legacy of protection and sacrifice that has been passed down through the centuries.

I hope you celebrate your Fathers and those that are like Fathers to you. We are deeply shaped from their love and mentorship through our lives. St. Joseph is a perfect example of this love. Remembering my wonderful Father, Angelo Michele Natale, on this beautiful day!

**Angelo Michele Natale – My Wonderful Father Circa 1942**

About the Author

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty. She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB. For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.

Love & Betrayal – The Legend of Teste Di Moro

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

February, 9, 2026

As Valentine’s Day approaches I think of famous Italian lovers and legends, and we all know that in Heaven, the Italians are not only the cooks by the lovers. Italians are notorious for passionate acts of love, both heart warming, and heart warning. Usually there is no middle ground for love, it is all or nothing.

The last time I visited Sicily, I saw these amazing ceramics. Especially in Palermo and Taormina. One cannot help but notice a pair of eyes watching from balconies and garden walls. These are the Teste di Moro (Moor’s Heads), vibrant ceramic planters featuring a crowned male Moor and a noble female figure. They are sought after because they are steeped in antiquity. These artisanal masterpieces are far more than mere decoration; they are a haunting, beautiful representation of Sicilian history, blending Mediterranean passion, brutal romance, and artistic tradition.

The origin of the Teste di Moro is rooted in an austere 11th-century folk tale, set during the Arab occupation of Sicily (827–1091). The legend tells us that a beautiful young maiden lived in the Kalsa district of Palermo, and her pastime was spending her days tending to the plants and flowers on her balcony. Flowers and plants are a passion in every Italian home from past and present times. As she was tending her garden, a young Moorish merchant passed by, saw the girl, and was instantly captivated by her beauty. He declared his intense love for her, and she, charmed by his affection, quickly returned his feelings. Their romance was intense but short-lived. The girl soon discovered that her lover had not been entirely truthful, he had a wife and children waiting for him back in North Africa.

Consumed by jealousy, heartbreak, and a profound sense of dishonor, the maiden sought a brutal vengeance. She waited until her lover was asleep, killed him, and severed his head. To ensure he never left her side, she transformed his head into a pot, planting basil inside it—a herb traditionally associated with love and luxury. The basil grew lush and vibrant, nourished by her tears, attracting the envy of neighbors who eventually commissioned their own ceramic heads to emulate her display. While I was in Sicily, I suddenly found an aversion to basil, it didn’t last long, but I hesitated as I was sinking my teeth into a luscious basil encrusted bruschetta. I still ate it!

**Luscious Bruschetta with Basil & Tomato**

The Teste di Moro represent a complex tapestry of Sicilian culture. They are a visual reminder of the island’s tumultuous history, acknowledging the profound influence of Arab, Greek, and Norman cultures that converged in Sicily. Also, the heads symbolize the intense, often chaotic, emotions frequently attributed to Sicilian folklore—love, passion, pride, and dangerous jealousy. The crowns and decorations—often featuring citrus fruits like lemons and oranges—represent the fertility and abundance of the Sicilian land, adding a touch of opulent beauty to the underlying grimness of the tale.

While historically rooted, the Teste di Moro have experienced a modern renaissance. They remain a staples of Sicilian home décor, found in luxury boutique hotels, private residences, and artisan shops across the island. For my windowsill, I prefer plain Sicilian pottery, no drama!

**Sicilian Vase – My Windowsill – No Drama**

In John Keats’ poem “Isabella, or the Pot of Basil,” Keats reimagines the gruesome Sicilian tale, focusing on the tragic, romantic, and macabre elements, with a key quote highlighting the transformation of the head into a planter. Or in the HBO series The White Lotus, the character Daphne refers to the vases as a warning about infidelity: “It’s a warning to husbands, babe. Screw around and you’ll end up buried in the garden.” Really the head could end up anywhere even at your bar.

**Testa di Moro – Italian Bar – Palermo**

Teste di Moro are not mere plant pots; they are silent storytellers. They embody Sicilian myth and beauty with teeth that defines much of Sicilian art—a mixture of the exquisite and the grotesque, the romantic and the treacherous. When placed on a balcony, they are not only a welcoming sign of fertility but a lasting, vibrant monument to a tragic, timeless love story that continues to enchant residents and visitors alike.

Hope you have a timeless and wonderful love story, one that is forever joyful, with passion, and no drama! Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day!

About the Author

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty. She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB. For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.

The Epiphany and La Befana

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

January 5, 2026

What I love most about the feast of the Epiphany is that Christmas is not over. For me it is just beginning. It is the realization that the joy that the baby Jesus brings is a foundation of the New Year and what lies ahead. It is the reminder to continue to find happiness every day and bring that positive energy to others.

My fondest memories of La Befana go back to Italy when I was a little girl and lived with my grandparents for a few months, before we immigrated to the United States. My grandmother would fill my old socks with chestnuts and tangerines and sometimes small chocolates. It was a surprise on the morning of January 6^th. At that time the Epiphany was a holy day of obligation, and we always went to Mass after we opened our stockings. We always made strufolli for dessert. Strufolli are delectable honey balls decorated with sprinkles and are traditional for the Christmas holidays in Naples.

La Befana is a Christmas Witch who delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5, the eve of the Epiphany. I know she is coming to my house tonight. She is much like Santa Claus, but is not a cheery jolly man, she is traditionally depicted as a soot-covered grandmotherly figure flying on a broomstick, wearing a tattered shawl and a kerchief. According to legend, the Three Wise Men stopped at her home to ask for directions to Bethlehem. She was too busy sweeping the floor and didn’t go with them. She later regretted her choice and set out with a bag of sweets to find the Christ child. Unable to locate Him, she continues her search every year, leaving treats for every child she encounters in hopes of finding Him.

In modern-day Italy, the holiday is celebrated with a blend of family tradition and large-scale public festivals. Children still get fruit, nuts and small toys in their stockings, and traditionally leave a piece of bread for La Befana to sustain her on her long journey. Public festivals include the Cavalcade of the Magi in Florence, the traditional bonfires of the Befana in Umbria, and the fabulous Regatta Delle Befane in Venice where rowers in costume race down the Grand Canal. In Rome’s Piazza Navona, the festivities culminate in a vibrant market and a dramatic appearance by La Befana, who often descends from high buildings with the help of local firefighters. Beyond the gifts, her broom serves as a powerful symbol of sweeping away the problems of the previous year, and bringing good things for the New Year.

I hope you find good things in your stockings, and continue to find the joy that Christmas brings the whole year through. Wishing you health and happiness in 2026!

About the Author

Il Ragu di Natale

Joanne Spigonardo

December 9, 2025

If there is a snow storm before Christmas and you are stuck inside for the day, you should consider making the classic Italian Christmas Ragu. It is all about slow cooking and a meal that will be memorable and remain a part of your family traditions. It is an art form of slow cooking.

There are some dishes that immediately evoke the warmth and joy of the holiday season. For many Italian families, that dish is the Christmas Ragu. This isn’t a quick weeknight sauce; it’s a labor of love, a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce that fills the home with an inviting aroma for hours and serves as the perfect centerpiece for a festive gathering.

In Italy, Christmas dining is deeply rooted in regional traditions, and while many families in the South observe the Christmas Eve “Feast of the Seven Fishes” without meat, Christmas Day is all about hearty fare. The ragu often takes center stage as the first course, typically paired with fresh pasta like pasta alla chitarra, tagliatelle or pappardelle, or used in a celebratory lasagna or cannelloni. What makes it special is less about a single specific recipe and more about the spirit of the occasion: using high-quality ingredients, taking time, and sharing it with loved ones. It’s a dish that emphasizes patience and togetherness, a true expression of love.

Authentic Italian ragu is an art, not a science, and every family has its own revered recipe. However, some core principles make it the deeply flavorful dish it is the soffritto. The foundation of any great ragu starts with a finely chopped mixture of onion, carrot, and celery gently sautéed in olive oil until soft and fragrant. A blend of different meats adds complexity and depth of flavor. Common combinations include braciole, ground beef and pork, sometimes with the addition of sausage, pancetta, or even venison. The meat is browned thoroughly, which develops a richer flavor profile. White or red wine is used to deglaze the pot, simmering until the alcohol evaporates and the concentrated flavors remain. Slow simmering is the non-negotiable step. Ragu requires cooking over a low heat for anywhere from three to four hours to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken into a luxurious consistency. Use the best tomatoes, San Marzano are my choice.

If you’re looking to start a new holiday tradition, an Italian Christmas Ragu is a fantastic choice. The ingredients are simple, but the process yields an extraordinary result. Here is my family recipe:

Mamma’s Christmas Ragu

Braciole:

1.5 lbs thinly sliced beef top round or sirloin steak (about 6 slices)
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kitchen twine or toothpicks

For the Sauce:

Olive oil – 1/3 cup
1 lb beef short ribs
1 lb Italian sausage links
2 medium bone-in pork chops
1 large onion, chopped
Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
Tomato paste – 1 can
1 cup dry red wine
2 Cans Crushed and whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
Water or beef broth – 2 cups
Bay leaves – 2 Bay Leaves
Dried basil and oregano – 1 tsp each
Salt and black pepper 1 tsp salt – ½ tsp pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional) – ½ tsp

Instructions:

Prepare the Braciole by combining breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, and garlic. Season beef slices, spread filling, roll, and secure.
Brown all the meats (short ribs, pork chops, sausage, and braciole) in olive oil in a large pot and set aside.
Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in the same pot.
Stir in tomato paste and cook, then deglaze with red wine, scraping up browned bits.
Add tomatoes, water or broth, bay leaves, basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes.
Return the browned meats to the pot, bring to a simmer, then cover partially and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender.
Remove meats and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning of the sauce.
Serve the sauce with pasta – delicious with hand made pasta – purchased from Italian specialty store – like pasta alla chitarra – vermicelli – rigatoni – paccheri – or the very best of your own homemade pasta.

Buon Natale – Eat – Drink & Be Merry~ Wishing you Health & Happiness in the New Year!

About the Author

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty. She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB. For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.

All Saints Day in Italy

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

November 1, 2025

I have never had the pleasure of being in Italy on All Saints’ Day, but it is definately a bucket list item for future travels. As a little girl in Sountwest Phillly, we celebrated by attending Mass, and having family and friends to our home for dinner. We enjoyed Halloween the night before, and continued our festivities with a 5 course dinner and with many sweets for dessert on All Saints Day. The typical dessert my Mother would prepare was crostata di mele, a fantastic apple tart, as well as, the ever fabulous zepole.

All Saints’ Day, known in Italy as Ognissanti or La Festa di Ognissanti, is a deeply significant national public holiday celebrated annually on November 1st. This solemn yet festive day is dedicated to honoring all the saints and martyrs of the Catholic calendar, both known and unknown. Its origins trace back to the early Christian Church, eventually being designated a universal feast day on November 1st by Pope Gregory III in the 8th century to commemorate the vast number of saints. Most businesses, schools, and government offices close, allowing families across the country to participate in religious services and family-oriented activities. Today, in many villages, a parade of saints is a beautiful tradition on All Saints Day. Women and children dress up as saints or in traditional fashions.

The holiday is intrinsically linked with the following day, November 2nd, known as Il Giorno dei Morti (All Souls’ Day or Day of the Dead), which is dedicated to remembering and praying for deceased loved ones. While All Souls’ Day is not a public holiday, the two days together form a period of profound remembrance and reflection on family, heritage, and the cycle of life. The most widespread and unifying tradition is the family visit to cemeteries, where Italians tend to and adorn the graves of relatives and friends with fresh flowers, most notably chrysanthemums, which are the traditional flowers of mourning and remembrance in Italian culture. Today our family honors our deceased by visiting the graves of our beloved family and friends on November 2nd.

Regional traditions add a rich layer of diversity to the celebrations. In some areas, such as Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta, families maintain the ancient custom of setting extra places at the dinner table or leaving food and water out overnight for the spirits of the deceased who are believed to return for a visit. In Sicily, children receive special sweets, such as Frutta Martorana (marzipan shaped like fruits) or sugar statues, traditionally left by their deceased relatives as a sign of continuity and love.

**Frutta Martorana – In Honor of All Souls**

As we begin the holiday season and move toward Thanksgiving and Christmas, let us enjoy our early November holidays, by celebrating all the beautiful saints of Italy, and by remembering our beloved deceased. There is so much meaning to these timeless traditions, that deepen our love for the saints, and for all of our family and friends in Heaven.

About the Author

Joanne Natale Spigonardo

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty. She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB. For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.