Little Italy: NYC's Disappearing Neighborhood
The neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, once known for its large population of Italian Americans, today consists of only a few authentic Italian stores and restaurants...
Little Italy: NYC's Disappearing Neighborhood
"Walking beside the narrow, cobblestoned streets beneath the fire escapes of turn-of-the-century tenements, you're tempted by the sights, sounds and smells of Italian cuisine and culture emanating from the restaurants surrounding you at every step."
Any idea which NYC neighborhood is being referenced in this quote from it's official website?
Hint: Look below!
The neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, once known for its large population of Italian Americans, today consists of only a few authentic Italian stores and restaurants. and is surrounded by heavily gentrified areas -on the west by Tribeca and Soho, on the south - Chinatown, on the east - the Lower East Side, and on the north - Nolita.
Originally named Mulberry Bend, Danish-American social reformer, Jacob Riis, described it as "the foul core of New York’s slums.” as mass immigration from Italy during the 1880’s led to the influx of Italian immigrant settlement in lower Manhattan and resulted in the commercial gathering of their dwelling and business. Contrary to popular belief, Little Italy was not the largest Italian neighborhood in New York City, as East Harlem (or Italian Harlem) had a larger Italian population.
After World War II, many residents of the Lower East Side began moving to Brooklyn, Staten Island, Long Island, and New Jersey. Chinese immigrants became an increased presence after the U.S. Immigration Act of 1965 removed immigration restrictions, thus causing the neighboring Chinatown to expand to the detriment of the Italian neighborhood. As lower manhattan real-estate boomed, residents struggled to survive well into the 20th century and after the September 11 attacks in 2001, areas below Houston Street were cut off for the rest of the fall. As a result, the San Gennaro feast scheduled for September 13 was postponed and yet again the residents of the neighborhood were dealt a massive financial blow.
In 2004, Bill Tonelli from New York magazine stated that "Today, Little Italy is a veneer—50 or so restaurants and cafés catering to tourists, covering a dense neighborhood of tenements shared by recent Chinese immigrants, young Americans who can’t afford Soho, and a few remaining real live Italians.” and the website, ItalianAware, has called the dominance of Italians in the area, "relatively short lived.” In 2010, Little Italy and Chinatown were listed in a single historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
Although Little Italy has shrunk as Soho and Chinatown continue to expand, Mulberry Street to this day showcases the enduring impact thousands of Italians made on NYC.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about Little Italy: NYC's Disappearing Neighborhood! What is your stance on the ongoing gentrification in Lower Manhattan, and do you believe there is a way to save Little Italy from disappearing forever? Leave a comment below!
A Superpower in Culture and Beauty
Many of the world’s current superpowers have risen to prominence through military might, technological advances, and cultural contributions. While Italy may have had a hand in each, it is without question that the cultural contributions of it’s people have made the most lasting impression around the world...
A Superpower in Culture and Beauty
Many of the world’s current superpowers have risen to prominence through military might, technological advances, and cultural contributions. While Italy may have had a hand in each, it is without question that the cultural contributions of its people have made the most lasting impression around the world.
While delivering the keynote address at the Italian Design Day ceremony, organized by the Italian embassy at the Msheireb Enrichment Centre, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Angelino Alfano announced that Italy is now a "superpower in culture and beauty."
"Italy is a G7 country, but it is not the world's economic superpower. Italy is a Nato member but is not the military superpower. However, we are indeed a superpower, second to none, in culture and beauty, thanks to our design [and that] our country considers culture as the fourth pillar behind economic, social and environmental pillars."
As you may remember in our previous article, ISTITUTO MARANGONI TAKES MIAMI, Italian fashion has a long and impressionable history around the world, but it is not only the design of the country's clothing that reigns supreme, but also it's natural beauty. Italy currently holds the highest number of UNESCO cultural and natural sites (47 in a world list of 936) which draws more than 45 million visitors every year, making tourism the country's primary industry and accounting for 8.6% of it's GDP.
In addition, Italy has been supporting archaeological, anthropological and ethnological missions abroad for a number of years. Not only are these ventures a contribution to the Italian science community, but have also created opportunities in the fields of archaeology, restoration and protection of cultural heritage. More importantly, it represents a commitment to push intercultural dialogue and development policies across the globe.
In essence the reason why Alfano believes in his country's dedication to promoting beauty and design is because "Above all, design helps one to think of a better and more sustainable future. While being one the pillars of Italy's economic diplomacy, design also helps to be becoming creative and multi-faceted and eventually contributing to respecting ideas and differences.
"With this awareness, Italy's economic diplomacy has been promoting a multidisciplinary and highly integrated strategy for the promotion of the Made in Italy concept,
Concluding his speech, Alfano stated: "Our aim is to develop new ideas, initiatives and joint projects by promoting an international debate on such issues as the link between design and sustainability."
We hope you've enjoyed learning about how Italy has become A Superpower in Culture and Beauty! Planning a trip to experience it all firsthand? Our culturally infused classes and native instructors can put you on the path to linguistic and cultural fluency faster than you may think! Click below to learn more!
The Best Of Bel Paese
Are you yearning to explore the vineyards for the best wines or wishing to explore the bustling cities? Are you on a limitless budget or looking to backpack on a shoestring? Do you want to celebrate a special holiday in native Italian fashion? The options are endless regardless of what your tastes may be!
The Best Of Bel Paese
Planning a trip to Bel Paese, or the ‘beautiful country’ of Italy can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right timing and knowledge of your own tastes, it is more than possible to plot the trip of a lifetime! Are you yearning to explore the vineyards for the best wines or wishing to explore the bustling cities? Are you on a limitless budget or looking to backpack on a shoestring? Do you want to celebrate a special holiday in native Italian fashion? The options are endless regardless of what your tastes may be!
Spring, summer, and autumn, as long as you arrive early in the season, are commonly referred to as the best times to visit Italy. If you are planning a trip later in the spring and summer seasons, you may become lost amongst a sea of tourists and vacationing Italians where beach amenity rentals can be expensive with many of the hotspots overcrowded.
For the budget traveller, Meridiana Airlines offers extremely affordable round trip flights between May and October from New York City to Rome, Naples or Milan for less than $500.
If you are looking to take advantage of the booming wine industry in Italy, Villa Cappelli offers wine tastings with regional sommeliers, cooking classes, and cultural tours of Puglia. If you plan on visiting in the autumn specifically, Venissa, a small boutique resort on the islands of Mazzorbo and Burano, will be celebrating the harvest of their Dorona vineyard where owner, Matteo Bisol, hosts wine dinners and tours of the oldest church in Venice, The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Photo: Isoladiburano.it
If you would like to travel the very popular region of Tuscany, November - April are considered off peak months, and will provide you with a less crowded experience. By booking a reservation at the Monteverdi (for those with a larger budget), which is an easy day trip from destinations like Pienza and Florence, travelers can experience truffle hunting, wine tasting, and cooking classes.
Photo: Monteverdituscany.com
Rome, like Florence, is flooded with tourists almost anytime of year except for the winter months. Despite the occasional bout of rain, the city’s main attractions are easily accessible during this time of year. If Naples is on your radar, inexpensive tickets can be acquired from Rome if booking online in advance. Native Italians make the trek just for the Christmas markets (some of the largest in Europe) during this most wonderful time of the year.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about when and where to explore The Best Of Bel Paese! Want to forego the translator app when making your trip? Our native instructors and immersive group classes will ensure you are prepared to enjoy Italy, no matter where your tastes take you!
Culture + Cheese = Parma
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini announced February 16th that Parma would be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2020.
Culture + Cheese = Parma
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini announced February 16th that Parma would be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2020.
The northern city swept the competition including Agrigento, Bitonto, Casale Monferrato, Macerata, Merano, Nuoro, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia and Treviso. Parma has been regarded as "a virtuous and extremely high-quality example of local culturally based planning".
The city was at the center of several wars in the peninsula during the 14th and 15th centuries and became part of the Papal States, only to be detached from them in 1545 by Pope Paul III. During the Napoleonic Wars, Parma was annexed to France, was a center of resistance to fascism, and boasts one of the oldest universities in the world.
On a culinary level, Parma is famous for its ham and (surprise, surprise) parmigiano cheese. In Emilia-Romagna, where Parma lies, there is more origin-protected food and drink than any other region in Italy, and in the plains around Parma you'll be able to find amazing prosciutto, salami, cheese and porcini mushrooms. It is no surprise that Parma was also named a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy in 2015.
As part of its candidacy Parma has pledged to further broaden its cultural attractions, commissioning installations outside the city centre and inviting artists from elsewhere in Italy and the world to give their own creative view of the city.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about how Culture + Cheese = Parma! Looking to make a trip to the cultural hub of Parma? Our immersive group classes with native instructors will ensure that you are ready to experience everything Parma has to offer!
Italian Casa : Caffè Price
In the hunt for new neighbors, the village of Ollolai is offering a massive price break on houses that were once owned by shepherds, farmers and other villagers for only $1.25 per house. Yes. One dollar and twenty five cents.
Italian Casa : Caffè Price
Over the course of the last 50 years, the population of the Italian town of Ollolai has shrunk from 2,250 people to 1,300 with no end in sight to the weaning number of residents.
Photo: Getty Images
The town of Ollolai sits just at 1000 meters above sea level, surrounded by Mediterranean views accompanied by the famous Finestra della Sardegna (“Window of Sardinia”), where, during clear days, you can see the two seas of the island (on the east and west coasts) all while shaded by Holm oaks. Those entranced by local folklore and ancient traditions can anticipate captivation by the well-preserved Tombe Dei Giganti (tombs of giants) and the Cestini Di Asfodelo (asphodel baskets).
In the hunt for new neighbors, the village is offering a massive price break on houses that were once owned by shepherds, farmers and other villagers for only $1.25 per house. Yes. One dollar and twenty five cents!
Unfortunately, there is a bit of a catch. Prospective buyers must agree to renovate their newly-bought Italian living space within 3 years of purchasing the property which has been estimated to cost about $25,000. Considering views like these:
Photo: Ollolai comune proloco
Photo: Michele Columbu
it may be worth the investment.
In fact, the village website that originally published the real estate deal has become so overwrought with applications that there is now a deadline in place.
Since the amount of offers has exceeded the 200 properties currently available in the village, the office will stop accepting applications on February 7th.
Planning to make the big move to Ollolai to get an Italian Casa at a Caffè Price? As you can see from the application website, knowledge of the Italian language is a must! Lucky for you, our team of enthusiastic native instructors who teach our fully immersive lessons are a great place to jump start your journey to fluency. Click below to learn more!
Tackling an International Mafia
It can be argued that the Italian mafia may be the most infamous in the world. However, that only means that the government is equally as persistent to keep them from expanding.
Tackling An International Mafia
It can be argued that the Italian mafia may be the most infamous in the world. However, this only means that the government is equally as persistent to keep them from expanding.
As mentioned in our article “From Crypto to Cannoli," the Italian government is no stranger to organized crime. Earlier in January, Italy ordered the arrest of 33 people on suspicion of running a Chinese mafia group involved in gambling, prostitution and drugs - which dominated the transport of Chinese goods across Europe.
The group’s base was in Prato, near Florence which is a central hub for the textile industry where various factories are Chinese owned. The network also had members in other parts of Italy and across Europe. The suspected mob boss, Naizhong Zhang, was based in Rome and used profits from illegal activities to build a massive transport company that dominated the trucking of goods for thousands of Chinese companies, police stated. He ran a near-monopoly in distribution across much of Europe through extortion against Chinese companies. According to Italian Interior Minister, Marco Minniti, the operation broke up “a dangerous organization that had used force and was financed by its illegal activities.” Federico Cafiero De Raho, Italy’s chief anti-mafia prosecutor stated that “It’s quite unusual to be able to identify a complex Chinese mafia organization” and that "Being able to shed light on mafia character of this group is almost incredible.”
It is estimated that Zhang’s business activities were worth “hundreds of millions of euros.”
While issues of breaking up crime groups can be stopped, the fight is far from over in Italy.
We hope you enjoyed learning how the Italian government is currently Tackling An International Mafia! How do you think Italy could continue battling the ever-present threat of the mafia? Leave a comment below!
Italian American Baseball Family
Roberto Angotti’s recently released documentary "Italian American Baseball Family" documents the journey of how Italian Americans assimilated into popular culture through America's favorite pastime and as well as their children who became infatuated with baseball - a sport as foreign as the country they were now a part of.
Italian American Baseball Family
Roberto Angotti’s recently released documentary "Italian American Baseball Family" documents the journey of how Italian Americans "assimilated into popular culture through America's favorite pastime.” Angotti provides a look into the lives of Italians who arrived in America between 1880 and 1920 and their children who became infatuated with baseball - a sport as foreign as the country they had moved to.
While covering the 2013 Classic, Angotti met many Italian American fans and former players including the famed Mike Piazza and Mike Scioscia and seeing the underdog Italian team take home the win inspired him to further delve into the history of Italian Americans in baseball.
The resulting film, Italian American Baseball Family, which features interviews with famous baseball heroes, including former LA Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, won the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award at the National Italian American Foundation’s 42nd Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C.
Lasorda’s commitment to the Dodgers which lead them to win World Series championships in 1981 and 1988 was moving not just as a Dodger fan, but as an Italian American. Angotti stated that he plans to make a series of Italian American baseball films and that he sees this first documentary as a way to educate young Italian Americans and others on the plight of Italian immigrants through the lens of the world of baseball.
“Not having an appreciation of your heritage is like an olive tree with no roots...Baseball is a part of mine.”
Listen below as Angotti provides a phone interview discussing his movie:
We hope you've enjoyed learning about Roberto Angotti’s Italian American Baseball Family! Do you have a favorite Italian American baseball icon? Leave a comment below to let us know who!
From Crypto To Cannoli
"Since 2014, citizens here are experimenting what Bitcoin is and they started to use it to pay goods and services in physical places. So they took away their money from the traditional financial system to put them into this new form of digital gold."
From Crypto To Cannoli
The prevalence of the mother of all cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin, has grown exponentially over recent years in Italy. It even seems that the mafia has started to use it for their less than legal activities according to Italian Senator Lucrezia Ricchiuti. If you’ve found yourself in the position to hold any amount of the currency with the recent surge, here is how you can plan to not only go from crypto to cannoli as you make your way around Italy, but where to connect with other crypto-enthusiasts.
At the moment Italy has only about 10 BTMs (Bitcoin ATMs), a very small number considering how many Bitcoin machines are available in the United States. The Italian app called Qui Bitcoin indicates BTMs in Trento, Genova and Reggio Emilia.
There are many terms tossed around the crypto world that can cause confusion in the non-trading community including, blockchain, cryptocurrency, bitcoin, altcoin, etc. Essentially, blockchain is the technology that enables the existence of various cryptocurrencies, and Bitcoin is the name of the best-known cryptocurrency and specifically the one for which blockchain technology was initially invented.
A Rome based company, Blockchain Education Network Italia, spreads the word of Blockchain technology through meetups, conferences and the development of new projects pertaining to the technology. At the moment, BEN is only open to those enrolled in a university.
Of course, there are a wide range of online shops that accept Bitcoin payments but only a few of them are based in Italy. Inbitcoin is the first Italian company to allow merchants to accept Bitcoin as a form of payment in their stores. It operates in Trento, Rovereto, Pordenone and Milan. Inbitcoin founder, Marco Amadori stated
“Since 2014, citizens here are experimenting [with] what Bitcoin is and they started to use it to pay for goods and services in physical places. So they took away their money from the traditional financial system to put them into this new form of digital gold.”
We hope you've enjoyed learning about the ever growing influence of cryptos in Italy with From Crypto To Cannoli! What do you think about the future of cryptocurrency in Italy? Leave a comment below!
Moving Forward With Machiavelli
Keep your momentum with sound advice from Italian diplomat, politician, historian, philosopher, humanist, and writer, Niccolò Machiavelli.
Moving Forward With Machiavelli
Moving forward this
year?
Keep your momentum with sound advice from Italian diplomat, politician, historian, philosopher, humanist, and writer, Niccolò Machiavelli.
Machiavelli, born in 1469, was an Italian diplomat, politician, historian, philosopher and humanist, of the period and has often been called the father of modern political science. He was for many years a senior official in the Florentine Republic overseeing both diplomatic and military affairs. He also wrote comedies, carnival songs, and poetry.
The term "Machiavellian" is often associated with deceit. However, commentators, such as Baruch Spinoza and Jean-Jacques Rousseau have stated that he was actually a republican. Even when writing The Prince, his writings were an inspiration to Enlightenment proponents of modern democratic political philosophy.
Regardless of your stance on Machiavelli as a person or political figure, his poignant recorded quotes, such as those listed below, reveal how this philosopher's drive was undeniably inspiring.
"The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.”
"It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.”
"The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.”
"Never was anything great achieved without danger.”
"Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great."
"Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.”
We hope you're feeling motivated Moving Forward With Machiavelli!
If learning a new language is on your list of resolutions this year, our team of enthusiastic native instructors want to help you achieve your language goals and advance your fluency!
Cioccolata Calda
Not for the faint of heart, Cioccolata Calda is rich, thick, and full of real chocolate...
Cioccolata Calda
While it may not have the same recognition as Chocolate Cliente Mexicano, cioccolata calda is the decadent Italian chocolate treat you never knew you needed during the holiday season, until now. Unlike gelato, which is available year-round, cioccolata calda is only readily available in most Italian restaurants when the weather turns cool. If you aren't currently finding yourself at Catinari, where you can find arguablly the most decadent cioccolata calda, you can follow this recipe to get your chocoalte fix for the winter!
Not for the faint of heart, Cioccolata Calda is rich, thick, and full of real chocolate.
Cook Time: 15 mins Yield: Serves 2 to 4
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons sugar
1 cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions:
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
Whisk in cornstarch until combined and melty. If you want the hot chocolate thicker, use the maximum amount of cornstarch.
Add in milk and sugar. Increase the heat gradually to medium-high. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Mixture will start to thicken.
Once the mixture begins to thicken, turn the heat down to low and add in the chocolate chips. Stir constantly until well melted.
Serve hot. Keep the leftovers because it is also amazing, if not better cold!
We hope you enjoyed learning how to craft your own Cioccolata Calda! To learn about all of the decadent offerings the Italian culture encapsulates, be sure to check out our full immersive Group and Private Classes!
Secret Marriages And Lavish Celebrations
Saint Valentine’s Day, referred to as la festa degli innamorati in Italy, has blossomed from it's originally Christian and pagan-Roman traditions.
Secret Marriages And Lavish Celebrations
Saint Valentine’s Day, referred to as La Festa Degli Innamorati in Italy, has blossomed from its originally Christian and Pagan-Roman traditions. The Catholic Church specifically recognizes at least 3 different saints named Valentine, with one legend claiming that Saint Valentine (San Valentino) was a priest who served during the third century in Rome that performed marriages in secret for young lovers. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than married men and outlawed marriage for young men, San Valentino continued marrying the young couples in secret. Eventually, Claudius discovered his actions and ordered Valentine to be put to death.
The first testimony, in the form of a poem, that links Saint Valentine to romance and lovers dates back to 1415, written by Charles, Duke of Orleans is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library.
In Italy, there is more than the lovers’ celebration because Valentine is the patron saint of many villages where many communities celebrate with festivals and processions. In Terni and Bussolengo, large celebrations are held on the 14th of February.
In Sadali, Valentine is the patron saint of all newlyweds; however, the celebration is in October and last 2 - 3 days.
In Quero they celebrate by blessing a large number of oranges that are then tossed down a slope by the church of Saint Valentine.
Photo: web.prm.ox.ac.uk/
In Padua, celebrations of family and children and the love between them are held by distributing blessed keys.
Photo: ingargano.com
In Vico del Gargano, the entirety of the town is decorated with thousands of oranges. The statue of the San Valentino is also decorated with oranges and a procession with the statue and relics of the saint. It is said that drinking the juice of the blessed oranges brings joy and happiness.
Imagining a romantic la festa degli innamorati? While we can't transport you to Italy, the land of Secret Marriages And Lavish Celebrations, we'd love to celebrate with you in NYC with a FREE event! Click below to gain access.
Remembering A Spaghetti Westerner
While his name may not be at the forefront of the cinematic world, there is no denying that Bacalov has and will continue to impact the modern movie-goer through his timeless compositions...
Remembering A Spaghetti Westerner
Luis Bacalov, whose work is remembered from Italian crime movies, to spaghetti westerns, and more contemporarily, Quentin Tarantino films, died Nov. 15 at a hospital in Rome at the age of 84.
Bacalov was born near Buenos Aires but spent almost his entire life working in Italy, where he fused his take on the tango into many of his scores including “Il Postino” which would earn him not only an Oscar for best original dramatic score, but a permanent place in the hearts of spaghetti westerners around the world.
Though he was often overshadowed by famed composer and good friend, Ennio Morricone, who famously composed theme of the spaghetti western classic,“The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” Mr. Bacalov composed some of the most memorable tracks of Italy’s 60s and 70s western boom.
Possibly the best example of his timelessness in composition is the title song for “Django” (1966), a Franco Nero movie that was so violent that it was banned in England for nearly 30 years. Quentin Tarantino took such a liking to the song that he came to be used it in the title sequence for his smash revisionist history hit, “Django Unchained,” thus joining the pair of Bacalov’s compositions used in the “Kill Bill” series.
While his name may not be at the forefront of the cinematic world, there is no denying that Bacalov has and will continue to impact the modern movie-goer through his timeless compositions.
We hope you enjoyed learning about one of the most influential spaghetti westerners, Luis Bacalov, and how his compositions changed the Italian cinema and culture. For more Italian culture, be sure to check out our highly rated, fully immersive group and private classes!
The Hidden Gems of Italy
There is a way to get in on an exclusive Italian experience once every year, so before you spend all of your hard earned money on that ticket to Italy, read on...
The Hidden Gems of Italy
If you had to make a list of places you visit every time you make a destination trip, would you happen to include a museum? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone, especially in Italy. Italian state museum revenues increased by almost 50 million euros between 2013-2016 and has seen an increased visitor rate of almost 19%. With the vast exhibitions, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, however it does mean that museums can be increasingly difficult to peruse without feeling like you’re standing cheek to cheek with strangers on the NYC transit system (which is your favorite pastime, right?).
There is, however, a way to get in on a more exclusive experience once every year, so before you spend all of your hard earned money on that ticket to Italy, read on.
The Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI) or National Trust of Italy hosts an annual “Spring Days” event in March that opens up many hidden gems of Italy including: buildings, villages, and gardens to visitors that are usually closed to the public.
This event includes 1,000 sites in 400 towns.
Among these, the art schedule includes 260 buildings and villas, 51 villages, 79 castles and towers, 90 small museums, 40 parks and natural areas, 20 archaeological areas, 7 military establishments and 20 academies, schools, and institutions, 16 industrial and business museums, 14 theaters and amphitheaters, 8 cemeteries, and 2 former psychiatric hospitals.
Arguably one of the most impressive hidden gems of Italy is the Brisighella Convent, which is so large that the nuns use scooters to get around. This alone is reason enough to start booking that trip.
To see the full list of the true hidden gems of Italy, feel free to check out the official FAI website here. This website is in Italian, however, so it would be recommended to have a translator handy! If you would like to be able to make your trip sans translator, there's no better accompaniment to experiencing these hidden gems than with your knowledge of Italian! Grazie!
How to Become a Gondolier
You have to prove your seriousness, knowledge of boating, willingness to clean the boat, but also your willingness to help tourists to settle and feel confortable.
How to Become a Gondolier
It is not possible to think about Italy, without thinking about its famous Venetian Gondolas. Gondolas are ancient, so ancient that the trace of its official inventor is hard to find. Indeed, this flat-bottom boat is around a thousand years old! There is a first mention of a Gondola in a correspondence from Doge Vitale Falier who was a Duke in Venice in 1094 where he used the word gondulam. Weather it is old or pretty recent, everyone loves a nice gondola ride on the venetian river where you can fill your eyes with wonders and your ears with beautiful and melodic Italian songs. Today, we are taking you to Venice for your first (or second) gondola ride... Enjoy!
What is a gondola?
A gondola is a boat that has a flat bottom and it is about 10,85 metres (34ft.) about 1,40 metres (4.5 ft.) in width. The boat is made with several kinds of wood such as fir, cherry, chestnut, elm, oak, linden tree and many more. It can take up to 2 years to build it, using about 280 wooden pieces, and its weight ranges about 350 kg to 600 kg or about 770 to 1300 pounds. It is not until the 15th Century that we will see the "modern" gondola that we know today. The color black was imposed to refrain an unfair competition with the rich Venetians who would ornate the boat with gold and other treasures. Up until the Second World War, gondolas were guided by 2 gondoliers and they were used by people as a private mode of transportation. Kind of like Uber, without the app!
How to navigate a Gondola
Gondolas are a very interesting kind of boat. It is propelled by a person who stands facing the bow and rows with a forward stroke followed by a backward stroke in order to compensate the movement. Because of its flat bottom, the gondola can also be drifted sideways if it is necessary.
Funny fact, the gondolas were equipped at some point with a little cabin from the passengers to protect them form the weather or people looking at them. It even had windows with blinds (original Venetian blinds!) to offer you the perfect intimate moment. This cabin, or "felze" disappeared in the early 20th Century.
how to become a gondolier
In order for you to become a gondolier you need to get a permit. There would be around 433 Gondoliers with a permit today. There is a limit of permits and Venice reached it. The number of gondolas was estimated to 10,000 in the 16th century and the gondoliers were a separate group in society. The knowledge was passed from one generation to another, from father to son. This system disappeared in 1980 and you can now take the exam. You have to prove your seriousness, knowledge of boating, willingness to clean the gondola, but also your willingness to help tourists to settle and feel confortable. The first women to obtain her permit is now working in the area of Dorsoduro. She passed her exam in 2009. Are you ready for the exam?
We hope you enjoyed reading about How to Become a Gondolier! One thing we must add that is the number one goal for gondoliers is the Regata Storica. It is an annual race that will allow winners to belong to a family (of gondoliers)! Do you have pictures of your recent trip in Venice? Don't forget to add them in the comments' section below. Looking for more Italian language & culture? Check out our Italian Group Classes and Private Lessons at JP Linguistics taught by native instructors. Grazie mille!
Three Italian Dances and Their (Bizarre) Histories
These traditional dances are well-preserved in smaller towns such as Regio and have made their impact on the world.
Three Italian Dances and Their (Bizarre) Histories
As we are reaching the peak of summer, some of us are still planning their vacation to the wonderful land of Italy. Best known for its wonderful landscapes, delicious olive oils, wines, deserts and pastas, Italy has an incredible history and a culture of traditions that are rooted in beliefs worth debating. Some traditions are often overlooked which is why it is difficult to find historical dances in big cities such as Rome, Milan, or even Venice; but it is quite common in smaller communities in southern part of the country. As you may know, true immersion comes in smaller communities with cultural secrets & traditions being well-preserved in smaller towns such as Regio, for example. We would like to take you back in time to these forgotten dances that fueled today's culture. Enjoy!
1. Tarantella
Tarantella is a type of dance typical of the Southern regions of the country. It comes from the word "tarantula," yes, the large spider that all of us are really afraid of! The dance was used to recreate the movements of a person who had been bit by the spider. People belived that you could get rid of the venom by dancing it off. It would look like something like this:
Tarantella - Dance
2. Pizzica
Pizzica is a dance which originated in Apulia. It's direct translation today is "itch, sting, bite" As "Tarantella", this is dance is also linked to a "tarantula". This time, this dance was a tool for the population to help a person who had been bitten. When a person had been bitten by a spider, there would be a shock that only this dance was supposed to help them get out of. This dance inspired freedom and liberation for all and it looked like this:
Pizzica Dance in the medieval town of Morro D'Alba - Marche region Italy
3. Saltarello
The Saltarello is a form of "Tarantella" dance that can be found in regions such as Abruzzo, lazio, and Marche. This is a couples dance that makes it one of oldest dances in Italy. The dance is named after the verbe 'saltare' ("to jump") because it is composed of a lot of jumping around which inspired a French dance (Le pas de Brabant) and a Spanish dance (Alta Danza). It looked something like this:
Saltarello, a popular Renaissance dance, is performed by professional dancers.
We hope you enjoyed reading Three Italian Dances and Their (Bizarre) Histories. These magical Italian dances, which were originally created in aims of healing wounded people, are yet another reason why you should visit Italy and take part in the cultural history of this wonderful country. Have other Italian dances you want to add to the list? Don't forget to add it in the comments' section below. Looking for more Italian language and culture? Check out our Italian Group Classes & Private Lessons at JP Linguistics taught by native instructors. Grazie mille!