Author Archives: spigonaj

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 enjoyedContinue reading “All Saints Day in Italy”

I Borghi Piu’ Belli D’Italia – Discovering Italy’s Hidden Treasures—The Most Beautiful Villages

Joanne Natale Spigonardo September 24, 2025 No one will ever contest the beauty of the most famous cities in Italy, namely Florence, Rome, and Venice. However there is a hidden Italy, a timeless world of ancient stone alleys, hilltop castles, and coastal retreats preserved in the pages of history. This is the realm of I BorghiContinue reading “I Borghi Piu’ Belli D’Italia – Discovering Italy’s Hidden Treasures—The Most Beautiful Villages”

Italian Opera – The Voice of Love

Joanne Natale Spigonardo August 31, 2025 In the 15th Century, Florence was the hub of the Renaissance, with many painters, poets, musicians, and intellectuals. Opera began there and was a means for the general public to express themselves in forms of dramatic songs that often depicted Greek Tragedies. If you close your eyes and imagineContinue reading “Italian Opera – The Voice of Love”

La Dolce Vita – My Favorite Film

Joanne Natale Spigonardo July 30, 2025 “La Dolce Vita”, directed by Federico Fellini is my favorite film of all time. I think I’ve watched it about 20 times. The first time I saw it was with my Mom. We would go to the Italian movie theater in South Philadelphia most Sundays. It was released inContinue reading “La Dolce Vita – My Favorite Film”

The Big Cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano

Joanne Natale Spigonardo June 30, 2025 It’s not parmesan it’s Parmigiano, the authentic king of cheeses from Parma Italy. The heritage of Parmigiano Reggiano is a centuries old crafted cheese. It is an artform in itself. The unique taste is best savored on its own with a fine glass of dry red wine. Yes, thereContinue reading “The Big Cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano”

Una Buona Mamma Vale Cento Maestre – A Good Mother is Worth a Hundred Teachers – The Things my Mother Used to Say

Joanne Natale Spigonardo May 7, 2025 Like all Mothers, Italian Mothers have their special remarks and sayings. There were so many poignant comments that my Mother used to say that are worth noting, especially in honor of Mother’s Day. Most of these phrases were actually Italian idioms from different regions of Italy. In the caseContinue reading “Una Buona Mamma Vale Cento Maestre – A Good Mother is Worth a Hundred Teachers – The Things my Mother Used to Say”

Pane di Pasqua – Easter Bread

Joanne Natale Spigonardo April 12, 2025 One of my fondest memories are the days leading up to Easter, when my Mother, Sister, and I would spend endless hours preparing the Easter ricotta pies, la pizza ripiena with sopressatta and basket cheese, and of course the wonderful Easter bread. The Easter bread would be in allContinue reading “Pane di Pasqua – Easter Bread”

Italian Leading Women – Politicians, Stylists, Scientists, Artists, Educators and so Much More

Joanne Natale Spigonardo March 6, 2024 March is international women’s month. So many Italian women to celebrate. The list is very long, and I am sure that your Mothers and Grandmothers should be on that list as well. Italian women are tough, intelligent and resourceful. They are creative, innovative, and kind. March 8th is InternationalContinue reading “Italian Leading Women – Politicians, Stylists, Scientists, Artists, Educators and so Much More”

The Violin – An Italian Treasure

Joanne Natale Spigonardo January 28, 2025 While the mandolin is probably Italy’s most famous instrument, it is the violin that put Italian music in the forefront of the world. The violin dates back to the middle ages throughout Europe and Asia. The first violin to be made in Italy was by Andre Amati in Cremona,Continue reading “The Violin – An Italian Treasure”