Robbie Williams in Moscow

Robbie Williams a Mosca!

Our trainee, Nina, is our guest author for this post.  She was fortunate to be able to see Robbie Williams in concert recently and has written to share the experience. 

Robbie Williams Tour in Russia

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Il Cenone: The Italian New Year’s Eve meal

Happy New Year – Auguri Buon Anno!

We hope you enjoyed your New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Now we take you with us and tell you about an Italian NYE custom. This is not specific to one area, as usual there are regional variations and we will share with you some of these in other posts.

Saint Lucy – 13 December, Santa Lucia – 13 dicembre

Today, 13 December, is Santa Lucia.
In the North of Italy, children wait for her to come at night-time.

Christmas tree – when do you decorate?

When do you put up your Christmas tree?

In Italy, in accordance with the religious tradition you start putting up the Christmas decorations – including the Christmas tree which is a non religious symbol –  on 8th December (link to Immaculate Conception post).

l’Immacolata Concezione – Immaculate Conception

Oggi, 8 dicembre, è festa nazionale in Italia. Si festeggia l’Immacolata Concezione.

Che cosa vuol dire?

La Vergine Maria è nata senza il peccato originale: concepita come tutti dai suoi genitori, è stata preservata da Dio dal peccato originale.

Essendo questa una festa nazionale, oggi è giorno di riposo per tutti gli italiani.

L’8 dicembre è l’evento che apre il periodo natalizio; ovviamente, come ogni ricorrenza, anche questa è un’occasione per raccogliersi in famiglia e – perché no – per iniziare a gustare i piatti natalizi della ricca tradizione italiana.

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Today, 8th December, is a national holiday in Italy. It is celebrated the Immaculate Conception.

What is that about?

Virgin Mary was born free from the original sin. Conceived like everyone else, she was born sinless for God’s will.

Since this is a national holiday, Italians have a day off.

The 8th December is the celebration that opens the Christmas time; just as every recurring event, this is also an occasion to spend some good time with your family and, of course, to eat some Italian traditional Christmas dishes.

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Ciao!

Omar Giorgio and Samira Francesca

HappyDogItalian.com

Copyright © 2014 HappyDogItalian.com All rights reserved

A different way to take a trip…a creepy way

For those seeking a trip with thrill of the paranormal, this is what you’re looking for.

Byzantine Rite – an Italian Culture

In the south of Italy, specifically in the Arbëreshë communities, the Byzantine Rite is common.  The religious capital is located in Lungro, in the province of Cosenza (Calabria).

Our Trainee Natalya

Here is a new story from our trainee Natalya, who spontaneously wrote an Italian text for both practising and sharing with you her reasons and motivations for studying Italian.  We are always amazed by her eagerness to learn along with her laboriousness.  She is inspired by our posts and we welcome this attitude.

San Valentino – The story of Saint Valentine

Everybody knows that February 14^th is Saint Valentine’s Day, it is also known as the Feast of Saint Valentine.  This day is celebrated to honour the Priests known as San Valentino di Roma and San Valentino di Terni.

HappyDog Journalist

Interview with Veronica M. our trainee from Australia.

We want to congratulate you on your passion and commitment, we are impressed!
Your diligence is driving you in the right direction on this fantastic journey of language learning.