Born in Italy, Carnevale is one of the world’s most celebrated events, especially in Venice and Viareggio. But every town, even the smallest, has it’s own parade, feasts of local specialties, dancing, masquerading and fun before the Lent season begins.
Some experts claim the term Carnevale comes from the Latin “carne, vale” meaning “taking away meat” associated with the day Lent...[Read More]
It began with Saint Francis, who reenacted the birth of Christ with live animals in 1223. Actors were added and later, “presepi” (means ‘crib’) were set up throughout Italy, but with pomp and circumstance. In the 1470’s sculptor Alamanno was commissioned to create 42 painted and gilded sculptures for a private Neapolitan chapel. The nativity scenes grew into small cities, with...[Read More]
Like so many things in Italy, bread and cakes come by many names, especially if it is a holiday and then, it depends on what kind of holiday or occasion it might be. Of course the names and kinds of bread and cakes come with their own legends, traditions, cautions, and ingredients born from science, literature, ancient manuscripts or the simple competitiveness of the Italian people....[Read More]
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), aka All Saints Day, All Souls Day, is celebrated throughout the world, especially in Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and is associated with American Halloween....[Read More]
Just short of 90 proof, Angostura bitters is now available on tap in Chicago’s Best Intentions bar (best patio bar in 2015). Who drinks that stand-by dash provision to the Old-Fashioned? By itself? Bartenders world-wide apparently are consistently searching for the new, unusual, best and most creative uses of ingredients to start trends, please customers, become famous and of course, make money....[Read More]
Betty is a California-based writer whose work explores local history, travel, food, and the people who shape community life. Her storytelling is rooted in curiosity, culture, and real-world experience.
Stories of place, people, and culture - told with curiosity and heart - telling stories that bring places and people to life.
Betty is a Gold Country-based writer covering regional history, travel, food, and human-interest stories, with a focus on the people and traditions that define a place.