Deborah Cater

Christmas tree, a pagan element of Christmas traditions, by Florence's duomo

The Origins of Christmas on December 25th

December 25, 2024December 25, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Christmas, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, is one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar. But the choice of December 25th as the official date for this holiday has its roots in both religious and political motives, as well as a fascinating intersection with pagan traditions.

Albanian migrant processing centres (or return hubs) for migrants landing illegally in Italy. A recent decree is allowing one of them to be used as a CPR Credit: Getty Images

Italy to Push Ahead with Albania Migrant Processing Centres

December 24, 2024December 24, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italy will continue its plan to establish migrant processing centres in Albania, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Monday.

PM Inaugurates Piazza Pia Ahead of Jubilee Year

December 24, 2024December 24, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Premier Giorgia Meloni inaugurated the pedestrianised Piazza Pia, a flagship project for the 2025 Jubilee of the Catholic Church. Located near the River Tiber, the square links Castel Sant’Angelo to Via della Conciliazione and St Peter’s Square.

Passetto di Borgo reopenned to the public

Vatican’s Passetto Restored and Open to Visitors

December 24, 2024December 24, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italy and the Vatican have restored the Passetto del Borgo, a historic secret walkway used by popes for centuries.

Alessandro Bonvicino Credit: By it:Carlo Ridolfi - L'immagine è estratta da Carlo Ridolfi, Le marauiglie dell'arte, ouero, Le vite de gl'illustri pittori veneti, e dello stato (Venezia, Gio Battista Sgava, 1648), in https://archive.org/stream/lemarauigliedell00rido?ref=ol#page/n315/mode/2up, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95314365

On this day in history: death of artist Alessandro Bonvicino

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Alessandro Bonvicino, better known as il Moretto da Brescia, was one of the most distinguished painters of the Italian Renaissance. He died on 22 December 1554 in Brescia, Lombardy.

Nutella celebrates 60 years with a new exhibition

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A new exhibition in Rome is marking the 60th anniversary of Nutella, the world-famous chocolate-hazelnut spread. Titled Joyn! Un viaggio nel mondo Nutella, the exhibition runs at MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts, from 20 December to 20 April 2025.

The 2025 Budget has been passed in the Lower House. Image - Italy's Ministry of Economy and Finance. Image credit: By Nicholas Gemini - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19238297

Lower House Approves 2025 Budget Bill

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italy’s Lower House approved the 2025 budget bill late on Friday with 211 votes in favour and 117 against. The package, totalling €30 billion in new measures, now heads to the Senate for final approval, expected on 28 December.

Floral tributes in Magdeburg following the fatal car ramming on Friday. Image credit: AP

Mattarella Expresses Solidarity Following Magdeburg Attack

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

President Sergio Mattarella conveyed Italy’s solidarity with Germany after the attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday. In a message to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Mattarella condemned the attack and expressed Italy’s closeness to the German people.

Salvini and League call for remigration after incorrectly blaming a "foreigner" for a murder. Salvini proposes bill for Italy to exit WHO

Salvini Calls for Justice Reform Following Open Arms Acquittal

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini on Saturday reiterated the need for a judicial reform to separate judges’ and prosecutors’ career paths. His comments followed his Open Arms acquittal in Palermo on Friday.