In this Easter special of Voices of Italy, we unwrap what Pasqua really looks like today—beyond the church bells and chocolate eggs.

We start in Firenze with the Scoppio del Carro, where the “Brindellone” literally explodes in front of the Duomo in a mix of medieval pageantry and modern fireworks. Then we dig into the (possibly true?) story of Casa Sartorio in Torino, which may have patented the very first chocolate egg—take that, Kinder.

Next, we head south to my native Sicily for “A Sguondru,” a unique tradition in Naro (AG) where statues of the Madonna and the Risen Christ run—yes, run!—to meet in the town square in a theatrical reenactment of joy and resurrection.

And let’s not forget Pasquetta, aka Lunedì dell’Angelo: the national day of countryside escapes, overcooked lamb, and plastic chairs under olive trees. I’ll explain how this holiday got its name and what it says about modern Italian values (spoiler: it's less religion, more BBQ and chaos).

🧡 Whether you’re Italian, part of the diaspora, or just culturally curious, this episode celebrates all the contradictions, beauty, and drama of how Italians spend Easter weekend.

🎙️ Share your Pasqua or Pasquetta stories with me! Tag @voicesofitaly on Instagram or send a voice note to be featured in future episodes.

#VoicesOfItaly #PasquaInItaly #Pasquetta #ScoppioDelCarro #Brindellone #ASguondru #EasterInItaly #ItalianTraditions #DiasporaItaliana #MadeInItaly #ItalianPodcast #ModernItaly #EasterSunday #LunedìDellAngelo #ItalianCulture #ItalyUnfiltered #SpringInItaly

In this episode of Voices of Italy, we’re putting five of the most common stereotypes about Italian identity under the microscope, from our obsession with food, to the Mafia cult.

These clichés are everywhere in films, travel blogs, even in how Italians see themselves. But what happens when we start to believe the myth more than the reality? Join me as I explore the truths and the half-truths and why they are more complicated than you think.

If this episode sparks your curiosity, I highly recommend the podcast and the book with the same name Denominazione di Origine Inventata: a brilliant dive into how many aspects of Italian cuisine are, well… a little more recent and a lot more constructed than we’ve been led to believe.

Let’s talk! DM me on Instagram @voicesofitaly or tag me in your reactions and thoughts. Your stories make this podcast come alive!

#VoicesOfItaly #ItalianCulture #MadeInItaly #ItalianStereotypes #DOIpodcast #DenominazioneOrigineInventata #ItalianIdentity #BeyondLaDolceVita #ItalyMythbusters

Dante Alighieri is often reduced to just Inferno—his depiction of Hell, demons, and eternal punishments has fascinated people for centuries. But there’s so much more to his story. He was a political exile, a linguistic trailblazer, and a man whose words helped shape Italian identity long before Italy even existed as a nation.

In this episode of Voices of Italy, we go beyond the pop culture clichés and schoolbook summaries to explore Dante’s real impact on Italy. Why was he exiled? How did he revolutionize the Italian language? And why does Italy dedicate a national day—Dantedì—to honor him every year?

If you’re inspired to experience Dante’s world firsthand, here are some must-visit places in Italy that bring his legacy to life:
🏡 Dante’s House in Florence – The Casa di Dante museum offers a deep dive into his life and times, right in the heart of his hometown.
🚶‍♂️ Dante’s Inferno Trail in Tuscany – Explore the landscapes that influenced The Divine Comedy, including the Hermitage of Camaldoli and La Verna.
🏛️ Ravenna’s Dante Connection – Visit his tomb and the Basilica of San Francesco, where his funeral was held, and immerse yourself in the city’s annual celebrations dedicated to him.

Tune in to discover why Dante’s legacy still resonates across centuries—and why he’s far more than just Inferno.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!

#DanteAlighieri #Inferno #DivineComedy #DantesInferno #DanteLegacy #ItalianHistory #FlorenceItaly #Ravenna #Dantedì #ItalianCulture #ItalyTravel #MedievalHistory #ItalianLanguage #ItalyPodcast #VoicesOfItaly

Italy became a unified country in 1861. Or did it? In this episode of Voices of Italy, we dive into the fascinating and chaotic story of Italian unification, separating historical fact from patriotic myth. From Garibaldi’s Redshirts and Cavour’s political chess game to the deep regional divisions that persist today, we explore how a fragmented land full of independent states was (forcefully) stitched together into a single nation.

But uniting Italy on a map was just the beginning. The real challenge? Uniting its people. Even after 1861, Venice and Rome weren’t part of the new kingdom, and regional differences (cultural, linguistic, and economic) remained sharp. We discuss how the famous phrase "Fatta l’Italia, bisogna fare gli italiani" (“Italy is made, now we must make Italians”) still rings true today.

And what if we told you that L’Unità d’Italia wasn’t truly completed by Garibaldi, but by… televizion? TV legend Mike Bongiorno may have done more to create a shared Italian identity than any 19th-century general. We’ll explore how television, education, and mass media played a surprising role in bringing Italians together.

Episode 9 covers:
✅ How Italy was unified: from the Kingdom of Sardinia to a nation-state
✅ The story of Garibaldi, Cavour, and the myths of the Risorgimento
✅ Why regional divides still shape Italy today, from language to politics
✅ The unexpected role of television in unifying Italians
✅ How Italy’s deep-rooted differences continue to influence modern society

🎧 Tune in for a deep dive into Italian history, culture, and identity—and discover why Italy, in many ways, is still a work in progress.

#ItalianUnification #ItalyHistory #Risorgimento #Garibaldi #Cavour #ItalianCulture #RegionalDifferences #MadeInItaly #ItalyThenAndNow #VoicesOfItaly #HistoryPodcast #ItalianIdentity #MikeBongiorno #ItalianTV #ItalyExplained #LearnItalianHistory #ItalyFacts #ItalyBeyondLaDolceVita

Why do Italian emails sound like royal proclamations? Why does government paperwork read like an ancient spellbook? And why do some university guidelines in Italy feel like they were written to confuse students on purpose?

In this episode of Voices of Italy: Beyond La Dolce Vita, we break down why formality is so deeply ingrained in Italian language and culture—from bureaucratic jargon (burocratese) to hyper-polite email etiquette and official documents that even Italians struggle to understand.

🔹 What is burocratese? Italy’s own overly complex, official “dead language.”
🔹 Emails & workplace etiquette—how Italians use 10 words to say what could take 3.
🔹 The conspiracy theory—is bureaucracy designed to be confusing on purpose?
🔹 University guidelines, tax documents & legalese—real-life struggles with Italian formality.

From red tape nightmaEpisode 8 unpacks it all with humor and real-life stories.

🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to follow for more deep dives into the reality of modern Italy!

#Italy #ItalianLanguage #Burocratese #ItalianCulture #ExpatsInItaly #ItalianBureaucracy #FormalLanguage #LivingInItaly #ItalianWorkLife #ItalianTraditions #ItalyPodcast #ItalianEtiquette #ItalianEmails #Bureaucracy #VoicesOfItalyLet’s keep the conversation going. Follow me here:📍 Instagram: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly⁠⁠🐦 X (Twitter): ⁠⁠@VoicesOfItaly⁠⁠🧵 Threads: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly⁠⁠🌐 Bluesky: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly.bsky.social⁠⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠⁠@VoicesOfItaly⁠📘 Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Voices of Italy⁠⁠🔗 Linktree

Being young in Italy today isn’t all cappuccino, aperitivo and Vespa rides—it’s a struggle for independence, stability, and a future. While Italy needs its youth more than ever, young Italians often feel unwanted, stuck between an unstable job market and an older generation that refuses to let go of control.

In this episode of Voices of Italy: Beyond La Dolce Vita, we dive into the real challenges of being young in Italy in 2025. Why do so many young Italians live with their parents well into their 30s? Why is finding a stable job so hard? And why do so many talented young people feel they have no choice but to leave the country?

But this time, you’re not just hearing it from me. I hit the streets to ask Italians themselves: what does it really mean to be young in Italy today? From job struggles to dreams of escaping abroad, you’ll hear unfiltered, real voices sharing their experiences.

🎧 Tune in for an eye-opening look at the reality behind Italy’s “lost generation", and don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and leave a review. Your support helps bring more Italian stories and voices to life!

Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow me here:

📍 Instagram: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly⁠⁠

🐦 X (Twitter): ⁠⁠@VoicesOfItaly

⁠⁠🧵 Threads: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly⁠⁠

🌐 Bluesky: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly.bsky.social⁠⁠

Voices of Italy is created entirely by me. The music featured in the intro is "Motif Remix" by Xylo-Ziko. The intro and outro tunes are downloaded from Pixabay, provided by the profile yourtunes under License ID 136514.

From the Venice Carnival’s iconic masks to the epic float parades in Viareggio and the Battle of Oranges in Ivrea, Italy’s Carnival is one of the world’s most unique and historic celebrations. But what’s the real story behind it? And how has this centuries-old tradition evolved?

In this episode of Voices of Italy: Beyond La Dolce Vita, we uncover:
🎭 The ancient origins of Italian Carnival, from Roman festivals to religious masquerades
🃏 The symbolism of Venice’s famous masks
🍊 The tradition of Ivrea’s Battle of Oranges
😮 Fun facts and hidden curiosities you didn’t know about Italian Carnival

Carnival in Italy is more than just costumes and confetti—it’s a cultural phenomenon that blends history, tradition, and social satire. Whether you’re planning to experience it firsthand or just curious about Italian traditions, this episode will transport you straight into the heart of the celebration!

Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow me here:
📍 Instagram: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly⁠⁠
🐦 X (Twitter): ⁠⁠@VoicesOfItaly⁠⁠
🧵 Threads: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly⁠⁠
🌐 Bluesky: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly.bsky.social⁠⁠
📺 YouTube: ⁠⁠@VoicesOfItaly⁠📘 Facebook: ⁠⁠Voices of Italy
🔗 Linktree

🎧 Tune in, and don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and leave a review. Your support helps bring more Italian stories and voices to life!

Voices of Italy is created entirely by me, Alessia. The music featured in the intro is "Motif Remix" by Xylo-Ziko. The intro and outro tunes are downloaded from Pixabay, provided by the profile yourtunes under License ID 136514.

Netflix’s latest rom-com, La Dolce Villa, brings Italy to the screen with sun-soaked landscapes, passionate locals, and, of course, plenty of pasta. But how much of what we see in the movie is actually true to life? In this episode of Voices of Italy: Beyond La Dolce Vita, we break down the clichés, separate fact from fiction, and take a deeper look at what Hollywood always seems to get wrong (and sometimes right) about Italy.

From the moment Erik, the protagonist, arrives, La Dolce Villa paints a familiar picture—an American swept away by the irresistible charm of an Italian town, where life moves at a slower, more passionate pace. But is that really the case? Do Italians truly live every day like they’re starring in their own romantic movie? We’ll discuss some of the biggest Italian stereotypes in the film, from the idea that everyone is constantly surrounded by a loud, affectionate community to the way food is treated as an almost sacred ritual.

One of the film’s recurring themes is the idea that Italians are naturally warm and welcoming, eager to embrace outsiders into their lives. While hospitality is an important part of Italian culture, is it really as effortless and immediate as La Dolce Villa suggests? We’ll talk about how much truth there is to these stereotype and how they actually plays out in modern Italy.

Of course, no Hollywood depiction of Italy would be complete without food, and La Dolce Villa is no exception. The movie is filled with scenes of fresh pasta, flowing wine, and dramatic discussions about the "right" way to eat. We’ll explore how food plays a role in daily life here and which traditions are still widely followed versus which ones are exaggerated for entertainment.

Finally, we’ll touch on the film’s dreamy portrayal of small-town life in Italy. The idea that every Italian village is a perfectly preserved postcard with no modern problems, such as finding a job, is a romantic fantasy—one that often ignores the realities of life in Italy today. What’s the truth behind the picturesque setting of La Dolce Villa?

I want to hear from you! What’s your take on La Dolce Villa? Did any of its stereotypes make you cringe or laugh? Have you ever experienced a culture shock when visiting or moving to Italy? Let’s keep the conversation going—leave a comment, send me a DM on social media, or tag me in your posts!

Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow me here:
📍 Instagram: ⁠@voicesofitaly⁠
🐦 X (Twitter): ⁠@VoicesOfItaly⁠
🧵 Threads: ⁠@voicesofitaly⁠
🌐 Bluesky: ⁠@voicesofitaly.bsky.social⁠
📺 YouTube: ⁠@VoicesOfItaly

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/voicesofitaly?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZJ--xP3K6d-92n9FYCVEX26q1tvZyeCULUur7oM_4yTCCvr8ul81qaPyk_aem_GNQrJWxUIg3u6biXV_HCcA

🎧 Tune in, and don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and leave a review. Your support helps a lot in bringing more voices and stories to light!

Voices of Italy is created entirely by me, Alessia. The music featured in the intro is "Motif Remix" by Xylo-Ziko. The intro and outro tunes are downloaded from Pixabay, provided by the profile yourtunes under License ID 136514.