Ok, this is not Umbria, but I really wanted to say something about this place. Castello di Sorci is an old farm "podere" in the Tuscan countryside, close to Arezzo. We went there for lunch with friends to celebrate Gianfranco's 40th birthday. I was the only "Dutch -...
This year will be the 57th edition of the Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi. Giancarlo Menotti founded this international festival. He was born on July 7, 1911 in Cadegliano Italy. When his father died, he moved with his mother to the USA. Although he referred to himself...
Though it's almost 14 years I live in Umbria, I never witnessed a procession on Good Friday. Not being particularly religious it never crossed my mind. Yesterday we thought it would be about time we also participate. Glad I did! It is a very suggestive experience even...
Easter is one of the most important holidays in Italy. A visit to Umbria during the Easter holidays is an event not to miss. Little towns and cities celebrate Easter with processions, religious rites, holy representations and folkloristic traditions. "La settimana...
Umbria is the region of (pork) meat eaters. Veal, lamb, goat, and pork all raise here, especially in the Norcia area. Many families living in the Umbrian countryside still butcher a pig each year! In the old days the pork of Umbria was highly prized during the Roman...
Just wanted to share a curiosity with you. Like every year, I have been busy organising my son's birthday (8 ! Time flies!). Being Dutch, I am used to children's birthday parties where parents take their children and either come back later to pick them up again, or...
On January the 6th in many countries Epiphany is celebrated. Also in Italy, but here people often call it "la Befana". La Befana is a friendly witch who delivers sweets and presents for the good children in Italy. On the night before January the 6th, the children hang...
Mothersday and fathersday I am familiar with most but what about grandparentsday? They have it in Italy, on 2 October to be exact. At schools children make presents for their nonni (grandparents) and here and there they organise a special day at school! Since in rural...
Vino? The usual question of our genial neighbour was uttered as soon as we stepped on their turf. Ah no grazie, and than an excuse followed. Well we do have to climb a kilometre back up a hill which with 35C temperatures and alcohol running through your veins is not...
'T'ammazzo!' she yelled at the smiling small boy sitting next to her wielding a large knife. What lovely peope they are I thought to myself. I sat at the head of a long table filled with family, not mine...
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