 | Liberation Day, the Festa della Liberazione, celebrates the end of Nazi occupation during World War II, and the end of Fascist rule in Italy. It’s an important national holiday in Rome and in Italy. The main event is the solemn tribute to the tomb of the unknown soldier in the Vittoriano by the President of the Italian Republic and the highest offices of the State that takes place in the morning. The President lays a laurel wreath on the altar in memory of the fallen and missing Italians in the wars. |
Rome is 2.771 years old today. Happy birthday my sweetheart!
One of the most beautiful and important world’s marathon is held in Rome every year in March or April. It takes place on Sunday. This year, 2018 it will be April 8th. The race gives the participants the chance to run 42 kilometers surrounded by art, history, archeology and architecture from the past 2000 years. The beginning and the marathon’s end is by the roman forum and coliseum! It’s considered one of the most impressive and fascinating marathon of the world attended by professional athletes and passionate alike. The participants came from Italy and all over the world.
 The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Divine Love is our beloved and venerated place of worship since 1740.
In the middle of the countryside, there was a much-venerated image of Virgin Mary painted on a medieval tower. A wayfarer on his way to Rome was attacked by a pack of rabid dogs. He saw the Votive image, prayed Virgin Mary and cried for help. Immediately the dogs calmed down and fled into the countryside. The news of the miracle soon spread out and faithful to the sanctuary constantly increased. The Pope Bendict XIV built a sanctuary by the tower where the holy image is preserved. Folk pilgrimages continue today. The word originate from the Roman times, first century before christ, the time of the reform that followed the right of citizenship granted by Rome to the allied in Italy. Instead of small villages ( in Latin ‘pagi ‘ the state privileged the creation of larger settlements: the ‘municipium’ In Latin ‘municipium’ derives from ‘munia capere’, that means to assume the burden of the citizen. Therefore commitment and responsibility on behalf of the citizens.   Easter Monday is a public holiday known as ‘Pasquetta’ Little Easter
We say ‘Pasqua di rinascita, Pasquetta di Festa’: Easter is for ribirth, Ester Monday for partying ! In Pasquetta we traditionally relax with friends having a picnic outdoor. In the morning, the Italians pack a grill, simple food or leftover and head out on a trip to the lakes, beach, forest or to one of Rome’s parks.  On Easter Sunday the resurrection is celebrated with a Holy Mass and the Benediction ‘Urbi et Orbi’ held by the Pope in Saint Peter square. At home Easter involve a breakfast with boiled eggs, salami and hot chocolate. The Easter lunch includes lamb and fried artichokes, and of course chocolate eggs and the dove-shaped ‘Colomba’ cake. In Italy we say: ‘Natale con I tuoi e Pasqua con chi vuoi’: Christmas with your family, Easter with who you want. Easter day is when we have our amazing and never-ending traditional meals with friends and family alike. |
