Welcome Back ( bentornati )to Phil~italy Cultural Newsletter. We publish bi-weekly exploring the food, culture, music, art, architecture, natural beauty and history of our beloved Italy.

Thank You—Mille Grazie to those who attended the 2nd Annual Prosecco Phil~italy Brunch in Cleveland. It was a fabulous cultural exchange of music, art, food, and language. Come back next March!

The Apuli or Iapyges inhabited the southeastern part of Italy or most of today’s Puglia. They are thought to have originated in Crete or Illyria, and some say they are related to the Messapii, who lived in parts of Puglia and Calabria. What truly sets the Apuli apart is their language, which is closely related to the Messapic  and distinct from Latin.  The Apuli were significantly influenced by Greek colonies, a testament to the depth of cultural exchange in ancient times. This influence is evident in their pit graves and stone tumuli.  Signs of the Apuli's societal advancement were the large cities that developed in what is now Ordona, Canosa di Puglia, Ruvo di Puglia, Brindisi, Oria, Lecce, Rudiae, and Manduria.

Their religious beliefs, while indigenous, were enriched by the presence of Greek elements. The worship of Aphrodite and Athena is a clear example. Additionally, the evidence of live horse sacrifices to the god Manzanas further enriches their religious practices.  The aristocracy was known for its ornamental dress, and by the 7th century BC, it wore ornate costumes and jewelry. They wore their hair long and short tunics; young women wore long tunics belted at the waist.  They buried their dead close to their settlements, with men and some women buried with weapons, arms, and armor.

Phil~italy had its second annual Prosecco Brunch on Sunday, March 2, in Cleveland, Ohio.  Others have been held in Toledo, Washington, DC, and Columbus, Ohio.  The essence of Phil~italy Cultural Exchanges was manifest by simply sharing the bounty Phil and his travelers have experienced in Italy and Argentina. So Phil~italy is more than the travel to places other than home; it is also experiencing the culture coming to your location.  The bi-weekly newsletter 

Phil~Italy shared three important Italian cultural assets: music, art, food & wine.

Music: The Prosecco Brunch featured a unique and innovative Italian folklore band with a twist of jazz. The band, Alla Boara, performed with their very talented trio,  captivating the audience with their regional, national, and international following, thanks to their use of ancient regional Italian folk songs. 

Art: The venue for the Prosecco Brunch was the Giancarlo Calicchia Gallery, a former Polish American Church in Cleveland's current Asiatown. It is full of the prolific works of Giancarlo, an artist born and raised in Italy and emigrating to America when before high school.  His works, which span across art genres and materials, including stone, wood, and painting, were a testament to his diverse talent and the rich variety of art forms. 

Food and wine: Trevi Catering prepared a diverse and delicious buffet for the Prosecco Brunch. The spread included arancini (Sicilian fried rice balls), Caprese Skewers (mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomato), and pizza with and without cheese, as well as crudite.  To complement the meal, Prosecco was served in glass flutes upon entry to the Brunch. 

La Bella Vita is your gateway to a world of exclusive, finer gifts that are destined to become cherished heirlooms for generations. Our gifts are unique in their design, craftsmanship, and the stories they tell, making them unlike anything you'll find elsewhere in Cleveland!

Peter Strom, the owner, is not just a business associate but a dear friend of Philitaly. He and his wife run a successful local business in Cleveland, with two stores on the East Side. By supporting La Bella Vita, you're not just buying a unique gift, you're supporting your local community.

As the Prosecco Brunch coincided with the Oscars Awards Sunday, Phil~Italy took the opportunity to honor performances by local artists. Both Giancarlo Calicchia and Lorenzo Mattia Pontiggia for his contribution as ballerino, and his extraordinary performances in the Cleveland Ballet. Ballet originated in the 15th century in the courts of Italy during the Renaissance. The word "ballet" comes from the Italian word ballare, which means "to dance”. 

Phil~italy is hosting three upcoming group shared experiences, in places where Italy has tremendous influence, if not in Italy itself.

Please text your interest, even if you have not already decided, to 917.523.9068 or email [email protected] 

Additional private days before and after if desired.

Phil~italy will reach out to interested parties asap to inform about the feasibility of doing the trip, based on level of interest before May 2025, at which time final decision will be made.  Entice your neighbors, family and friends!  These trips are those of a lifetime! The prices are very reasonable for all inclusive land packages. Plan your trip to Italy: Text or email Phil to arrange a 30-minute introductory appointment at +1.917.523.9068 cell/WhatsApp - [email protected]