Category Archives: Blog

  • -
Pasqua

Easter traditions in Massa Lubrense

Category:Blog,Festivals,Food,Travel,Travel Tags : 

written by Eleonora Aiello

Among the various religious traditions rooted in the culture of Massa Lubrense, there are certainly some very peculiar ones that make it unique. And it is precisely the case of the traditions of the Easter period. In this article, we will analyze the habits and rituals that most represent this area during Holy Week.

Lent

Lent (in Italian “Quaresima”) represents for Catholics a period of penance and fasting in preparation for Easter. This phase of abstinence, in the Roman rite, runs from Ash Wednesday until sunset on Holy Thursday.

Quarantana bambola di Quaresima
“Quarantana”, the doll of Lent

In the Sorrento peninsula there is an ancient custom of preparing “la vecchia” (= “the old woman”), a small doll in black clothes that, in the popular imagination, personifies “Quarantana”, a thin and skimpy old woman. Dressed in a long skirt, black handkerchief on the head, distaff, and spindle in hand, the doll is hung outside the houses. Under her skirt, she has an onion, or a potato, skewered with seven chicken feathers that act as a ritual calendar: one feather is removed every Sunday, while the last one is removed at noon on Holy Saturday.

The palm Sunday

As a first appointment, we must mention that of Palm Sunday, the day in which we remember the triumphal entry into Jerusalem of Jesus, riding a donkey and acclaimed by the crowd who greeted him As a first appointment we must mention that of Palm Sunday, the day in which we remember the triumphal entry into Jerusalem of Jesus, riding a donkey and acclaimed by the crowd who greeted him waving palm branches.

In the territory of Massa Lubrense, the palms are often replaced by olive branches, blessed in a ceremony that takes place in the church, which each faithful will decorate and embellish. Traditionally, these olive branches are adorned with the addition of small caciocavalli, locally produced cheeses, small salamis, and colored sugared almonds.

Palm branches with intertwined leaves are also used. The weaving work must be done a few days before the blessing because the palm leaves dry quickly, thin, and spoil easily. Before proceeding with the weaving, each leaf must be clean or freed from the woody part that covers it, and the leaves that are too pungent must be removed.

Domenica delle palme
Palm with olive branch

The foot-washing ceremony

But the religious rites that most distinguish this area are, without any doubt, those of Holy Thursday and Good Friday. The first recalls the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper where Jesus washed the feet of the Twelve Apostles. To commemorate this event, the ceremony of the foot-washing is celebrated during the Mass in Coena Domini, where the priest washes the feet of twelve people representing the twelve apostles. Furthermore, from Thursday evening the church bells will remain “tied”, that is, mute.

The processions

During Holy Week, processions of hooded people walk the streets of the town symbolically representing the passion and death of Jesus. They are distinguished from each other by the color of the garments, the times of exit and the choirs that accompany them. Two processions are held in Massa Lubrense: one starts from Torca, the other from Massa center.

All the itineraries of the processions can be found on the website processioni.com. In addition to Massa Lubrense, the processions also take place in the municipalities of Sorrento, Sant’Agnello, Piano, and Meta. 

Black procession on Good Friday

Easter and Easter Monday

Easter Sunday is announced by the sacred and solemn ringing of the bells which, finally, can be dissolved to ring in “glory”.

The following Easter Monday is called “Pasquetta”: on this day, even if there is often bad weather, families and friends use to have a nice outing with a picnic in nature.


  • -

Pedals and panoramas: walking in Massa Lubrense by bike

Category:Blog,Outdoors,Places,Travel Tags : 
Cycling gives us the opportunity to explore the surrounding world in a more intimate way. Thanks to it we can immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature and grasp details often neglected. In addition, cycling allows us to explore nature more carefully and calmly, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscapes without damaging them.

In this regard, in Massa Lubrense you can take part in guided bike tours. We had the opportunity to interview Fabio, founder and cycling guide of Enjoy Bike Sorrento, who shared with us interesting information about it.

bike

Welcome Fabio! Tell us about Enjoy Bike, when was it born and why?

We were born in 2018. Initially it was a competitive sports association of cycling. Over time I added this type of activity to make sure that even people who do not practice cycling at a competitive level can have fun by bike, with shorter and less tiring experiences. 

What types of services do you offer?

We mostly offer guided tours in Massa Lubrense, in Costiera Amalfitana and on Vesuvio. Our itineraries can last hours or cover the whole day. We offer both tours with pedal assist bike and tour with racing bikes, for the most trained people.

Why choose a bike? What advantages or benefits does it offer? 

The bike can offer you a special experience for the discovery of the territory: you can stop in places where with the bus or the car you could not. In addition, it is a not intense sports activity that is good for both body and mind. 

Why people should make a bike tour in Massa Lubrense? What makes it unique?

In Massa Lubrense we organize 70% of our tours because compared to other areas it is a less touristy place and therefore offers a more peaceful experience. It is a very fascinating area that most tourists do not expect to visit, but that leaves everyone surprised.

What makes your tours special? 

What makes them special is the territory in which they are held. We also try to make them memorable through the discovery of places not very touristy and local realities that are usually little visited and known. For example, there is a tour called At the Al Vivaio in E-Bike that allows you to visit a citrus grove where the Sorrento Lemon is grown. This is a special experience in which our customers, in addition to the bike experience, have the opportunity to discover the whole history of the lemon typical of the area, from when it is planted until when a lemon tree is born. In addition, we combine some of our tours with other experiences, such as tastings or cooking classes.

Can everyone participate or are specific requirements required?

All people can participate, the only requirement is to be healthy. Being for the most part tours with the pedal assistance, we happen to bring into the excursion also people no longer young, but who are still skilled in pedaling. On request, we also organize tours for families with children, provided they already have a minimum of cycling experience.

Is it possible to customize the tours?

Yes, we also do private tours and specific itineraries according to customer needs. For example, one factor that is taken into account is where customers are accommodated. 

What advice would you give to those who wish to have this experience?

Often, when people consider the experience of cycling, they become discouraged by thinking about the busy areas. We recommend the activity because we are committed to exploring quiet areas of our territory. In addition, we carefully select the moments for our tours, ensuring maximum safety to our customers.

bike

______________________________________________________________________________________

We thank Fabio for kindly sharing his time with us, providing this valuable information. We hope that this article has aroused your curiosity and invite you to explore our territory on two wheels. Every ride is an adventure waiting for you!

Website: www.enjoybikesorrento.com/it/


  • -

Typical Easter dishes in Massa Lubrense

Category:Blog,Festivals,Food,Food Tags : 

written by Eleonora Aiello

Massa Lubrense is known not only for its cultural, historical and landscape resources, but also for its gastronomy. In particular, given the imminent arrival of Easter, we will go and see which are the main dishes of the Easter tradition in this area.

Salty “casatiello”

Casatiello, a name that derives from the Latin caseus (= cheese), is one of the savory dishes par excellence of the Easter holidays. Inside we can find a mix of cheeses, lard, cracklings and various cold cuts. All then garnished with unshelled hard-boiled eggs that are woven into the dough as a decoration.

Casatiello guarnito con cubetti di salame, prosciutto, mozzarella e uova sode.

Sweet “casatiello”

It is a recipe that is handed down from family to family, each with its own secrets and procedures.
Compared to the salty casatiello it has a much longer and more elaborate preparation. It has a leavening process that can last for days, thanks to the use of “criscito” which in the Neapolitan dialect is nothing more than the mother yeast, which allows it to be stored for many days without losing its soft consistency.

Pastiera

It is one of the oldest Easter desserts on the peninsula. Its origins date back to pagan cults, prepared to celebrate the arrival of spring. It is a shortcrust pastry pie with a filling made of ricotta, boiled wheat, eggs, spices and candied fruit. The pastry of the pastiera is crunchy, in contrast to its soft gold-colored filling which has a flavor and scent that vary according to the aromas used. The classic version involves the use of cinnamon and orange blossom water, but this does not prevent you from trying different aromas.

Roasted artichokes

They have always been considered the classic side dish of the Easter lunch. To prepare roasted artichokes, you need large, hairless, thornless artichokes with a long, straight stem. They are flavored with oil, garlic and parsley, and then cooked directly on the coals.

Carciofi arrostiti Piatti Pasqua

The handmade Easter egg

The choice of the Easter egg as a symbol of this holiday is linked to the fact that the egg is seen as a symbol of life. All the children are anxiously awaiting the arrival of this day in order to finally be able to break the chocolate eggs and unwrap the surprise. The eggs have been made to celebrate Easter since 1850 and are used only in Italy or in countries where there are large Italian communities.

Today, the Massa Lubrense pastry shops prepare artisan chocolate eggs of all sizes and for all tastes. A gift appreciated not only by children!

Handmade Easter dove cake

It was Dino Villani, advertising director of the Milanese company Motta, who, in the 1930s, invented a dessert similar to panettone, but intended for the Easter holidays. Since then, the Easter dove cake has spread to the tables of all Italians, and even far beyond the borders of Italy. The original dough, based on flour, butter, eggs, sugar and candied orange peel, with a rich almond glaze, has subsequently taken on different shapes and variations.

Piatti del menù di Pasqua

Easter menu with traditional dishes

For those who have no idea what to cook for Easter Sunday lunch, here is a menu to take inspiration from.

  • Appetizer: casatiello, various cold cuts, cheeses and vegetables;
  • First courses: lasagna or baked pasta;
  • Second courses: lamb in the oven or mixed grilled meats with potatoes or vegetables;
  • Desserts: pastiera and chocolate eggs.

These are the typical dishes of an Easter lunch in Massa Lubrense, but nothing prevents you from being able to create a personalized menu based on your preferences.

Buon appetito!


  • -

Turkish invasion in Massa Lubrense

Category:Blog,Culture,Culture Tags : 
di Miriam Russo

Siamo nel 1558 quando i turchi si muovono nelle acque del mar Mediterraneo alla ricerca di conquiste territoriali e beni da saccheggiare. Uno di questi assedi è l’invasione turca a Massa Lubrense e Sorrento.

L’invasione

Il 13 giugno del 1558, l’ammiraglio ottomano Pialì Pascià e la sua flotta attaccarono e invasero la Penisola Sorrentina, provocando un migliaio di morti e facendo almeno 4.000 prigionieri. Sbarcando durante la notte sulla spiaggia di Marina del Cantone, infatti, circa 2.000 corsari scalarono rapidamente i pendii del promontorio alla ricerca di casali e altri luoghi da razziare e saccheggiare. La flotta si divise in tre gruppi, quaranta navi approdarono all’alba ai piedi di Massa Lubrense e altre quaranta sulla spiaggia di Sorrento. Così, i Saraceni sorpresero gli abitanti di Massa nel sonno, facendo prigionieri i pochi che riuscirono a salvarsi.
Nonostante il violento arrivo e i primi attacchi, Massesi e Sorrentini si batterono per difendere la propria patria, ma dopo 10 giorni di scontri si arresero davanti alla potenza dell’esercito turco.
Resta “sorprendente” il fatto che nessuno degli abitanti della Penisola, tra sentinelle e soldati, si fosse accorto dell’invasione. Ricordiamo, infatti, che ai tempi era ben noto che i turchi stessero navigando nelle acque del Mediterraneo già da diversi giorni. Per questo motivo, si dice che fu un traditore turco, schiavo di una famiglia nobile di Sorrento, ad aprire le porte della città agli invasori. L’esito fu la distruzione e il saccheggio della città e la cattura di circa 4.000 abitanti che, rinchiusi e addossati nelle stive delle galere, furono condotti a Costantinopoli per essere venduti al mercato.

Le torri costiere

A seguito di questo terribile avvenimento, il vicerè del Regno di Napoli Don Parafan de Ribera fece costruire delle nuove e fortificate torri di avvistamento. In quel periodo furono anche ricostruite e migliorate la Torre trecentesca dei Galli e quella coeva di Punta Campanella. Furono disposte così che ognuna fosse ben visibile dalle due vicine. In questo modo, si potevano effettuare segnalazioni con il fuoco e con il fumo ripetute a catena di torre in torre in caso di pericolo. Al contempo, da altre torri dette “cavallare” partiva un guardiano a cavallo per mettere in allarme gli abitanti dei Casali.

Una delle torri costruite dopo l'invasione turca a Massa Lubrense del 1558

La leggenda

C’è anche una nota leggenda legata all’invasione turca del 1558 che riguarda la campana di Punta Campanella. Visti e vissuti gli avvenimenti del terribile attacco, il 14 febbraio, giorno di Sant’Antonino patrono di Sorrento, i devoti di Massa Lubrense vi si recavano in processione. Da lì pare che si udissero i rintocchi di una campana provenienti dalle profondità del mare. Quanto più erano forti, tanto più il mare era agitato: segnalavano, dunque, un pericolo imminente.

Invasione turca a Massa Lubrense: Torre saracena di Punta Campanella


  • -

In the silence of the sea: the discovery of diving

Category:Blog,Outdoors,Travel Tags : 

Diving is an extraordinary experience of intimate symbiosis with the sea. Holding your breath here becomes a skill that allows you to open the doors to a kingdom of silent beauty.

In Massa Lubrense there is a free diving center where you can find support and guidance to explore the art of diving. You can abandon yourself to the sea, immersing yourself in a world of calm, serenity, but also adventure. We had the opportunity to interview Antonio Mironi, founder of the Capri Freediving center and certified instructor by the Association Sport Apnea Academy, who shared with us interesting information about it.

diving

Hello Antonio! When was Capri Freediving founded and why?

Capri Freediving is a free diving center that was founded in 2023 in Massa Lubrense. It was born from a project that has always been in my head since childhood. I come from a history far from the sea, I am originally from Capri but I grew up in Milan; despite this, I have always been passionate about the sea, even though from afar. My dream was to come back one day and get closer to the discipline of freediving, which I have always practiced as a child. After graduating in economics I dedicated myself to training and preparing to become a free diving instructor. My goal was to open a center where people could share and teach apnea, mainly at sea since we have wonderful places. The center was born from the realization of a dream that I have always had.

What types of services do you offer?

We mainly offer courses. Being an apnea center we offer mini courses that can last both a day and a week, within which there are several methodologies. Following the attendance of these courses, patents may also be issued. The title that qualifies me as an instructor is a title issued by Apnea Academy, the largest school of apnea in the world founded by Umberto Pelizzari, historical world champion of apnea and holder of several records. There are also facilities for tourists such as recreational apnea excursions and snorkeling, more oriented to the tourist industry. Finally, we also have a whole logistics aimed at people who have already attended the courses and who have experience of apnea and who want to do training at sea.

What kind of discipline is apnea?

Apnea is a discipline that is growing more and more because it is open to all. Very often people are afraid to hold their breath, which is actually part of our genetic code, we just have to go back and do it. There are steps to follow to teach anyone to enjoy these sensations. I would define it as a discipline aimed at the well-being and relaxation of the person.

How do you train and prepare for apnea?

First of all, exercises are necessary from the point of view of breathing: to learn not to breathe you must first learn to breathe. There are exercises that come from the ancient art of pranayama, a strand of yoga that concerns breathing. Apnea borrows these exercises to train the ability to inhale and expire, to train the extension of the diaphragm and rib cage. Then there are the workouts in water that can be divided into workouts done in the pool (known as dynamic apnea) that train the lack of oxygen and that train the increase in carbon dioxide. Then there are the workouts done deeply in the water that are called workouts in constant trim and in this case we train the depth, the pressure, the compensation and a whole series of variations that are included in the deep going. 

Are specific requirements necessary?

It is a sport open to all. The only requirement is to know how to swim and be comfortable in the water. This year in our center came a lady of 52 years that had never done apnea in his life and fell to 18 meters underwater.

diving

What are the benefits of free diving?

Definitely apnea helps relaxation, it is a wellness sport. What happens on a physiological level, especially at sea, is a lowering of the heartbeat due to contact with water and going slightly deeper. This lowering of the heartbeat generates a whole series of benefits such as the muscle, nervous and mental relaxation; the moment you leave a session of apnea you have the feeling of having slept, as when you wake up in the morning well relaxed. Among the other benefits we find being in the water, so you release all the gravity, all that weight you have on you: being in the water, with activities projected to relaxation, helps the physique to give up all the tensions.

On the site there is a section called “emotions in apnea“, in this regard, what emotions can you feel with this experience?

Emotions in apnea mainly concerns the recreational services that you do in Capri Freediving, so snorkeling and recreational apnea. The emotion is to stay relaxing in a marine environment, a protected environment like Parco Marino Punta Campanella, that includes Baia di Ieranto, Fiordo di Crapolla or the islets Li Galli. The emotion is to enjoy the seabed and the fauna, the transparency of the water, thanks to the presence of an expert guide, who can assist you and that guarantees safety to people who dive. Without a guide all this would not be feasible, especially in our areas where, especially in summer, there is a good presence of boats.

What makes Massa Lubrense unique as a place to practice apnea?

The Marine Park, the A.M.P. Punta Campanella. Generally in the tourist areas it is common to find many boats and practice apnea safely also means having the help of an organization that deals with regulating the transit of boats. In addition to this, it provides support in the organization of events. For example, this year we will organize an internship with Pelizzari and thanks to the collaboration of A.M.P. Punta Campanella we will have a well-defined logistics that will help to ensure safety. We are particularly cautious in this regard. The alliance with the Marine Park is a fundamental element, without which all this would not be possible.

Why should a person approach this world? And what advice would you give?

Today, we are immersed in a context in which we are constantly exposed to many stressful factors, including work-related pressures and family commitments. We are often bombarded with incessant notifications from our phone devices and computers. Apnea helps to mentally disconnect from these continuous inputs. The brain works faster, and we’re not wired to work that fast. Apnea slows everything down and helps us think more calmly. People should approach apnea because it brings us back to our basic functions, the simple ones that belong to us, like being well and being quiet. Apnea helps to slow down and feel good. The advice, therefore, is to try to believe. In fact, almost always people perceive the benefit. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

We thank the instructor Antonio Mironi for kindly sharing his time and valuable information with us. We hope that this article has aroused your curiosity. The sea awaits only you, whether you are beginners or experts!


  • -

The charm of Torca and its hidden treasures

Category:Blog,Places Tags : 

Torca is a fraction of the municipality of Massa Lubrense, located on the southern side of the Sorrento peninsula.

The marina of Torca, Crapolla, probably hosted a Greek temple dedicated to Apollo in ancient times. The etymological origin of the name “Torca” could therefore derive from the “Theorica” ​​street. Indeed, they were frequented by long processions called “Theoriae” directed towards the aforementioned temple

According to the tradition, it is believed that Saint Pietro landed in Crapolla during his journey to Rome. Subsequently, the Abbey of San Pietro was built on the presumed site of the temple of Apollo, a monastery affiliated to the order of Black Benedictine friars. The original structure of the abbey included three naves with columns made of marble and granite, frescoes narrating the Stories of the Holy Scriptures and floors decorated with mosaics.

The Chapel of San Pietro now stands on the area of ​​his remains. It can be reached via the path that leads from the small square of Torca to the fjord. Made with the same stones used to build the original abbey, the chapel represents a tangible link with the past.

The trails that pass through Torca

In Torca the roadway ends, leaving space for a network of paths that wind through landscapes that are breathtaking for their natural and wild beauty.

Crapolla

The Crapolla fjord is among the most evocative natural coves of the Sorrento Peninsula. Accessible exclusively on foot, via a well-marked path, the route from Torca is characterized by a notable difference in altitude of around 350 meters and a long staircase of around 700 steps. This makes the walk along the mountainside demanding, but a rewarding challenge. The experience becomes immersive as you enter environments characterized by still uncontaminated nature, enriched by a significant archaeological heritage and panoramas that will lasts as indelible in the memory.

Sirenuse Trail

Immersed between sky and sea, the Sirenuse Trail is linked to the Greek myth of the sirens. Its name is a tribute to the three islets now known as Li Galli. From these, according to legend, the sirens attempted to enchant Ulysses with their seductive song.

Extending for approximately 9 km, the trail passes through the picturesque village of Torca. The suggestive atmosphere is enriched by the lush vegetation. The breathtaking views open onto the sea of ​​the Amalfi Coast, the islets of Li Galli, the stacks of Capri and the rock of Vetara, making the entire experience unforgettable.


  • -
Presepe Vivente di Monticchio

The living crib in the Monastery of Monticchio

Category:Blog,Events,Festivals Tags : 
In the evocative setting of the Monastery of Monticchio, located in the hills of Massa Lubrense, the Living Crib is celebrated this year. It is a magical event that involves visitors of all ages.

The dates of the event are 26, 27, 29 December and 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 January, during which the premises of the monastery turn into a real village of ancient Palestine. This living crib offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of Christian history and experience the enchantment of the birth of Jesus in a unique context.

Fotografie di Maria Rosaria Castellano

The Monastero del Santissimo Rosario di Monticchio, dating back to the eighteenth century, is distinguished by its charming architecture. It represents the perfect environment to host the living crib. The participants carefully wear clothes that recreate the characters of the evangelical history, together with their crafts and their occupations. In the evocative setting of the monastery, shepherds, the Magi, artisans and traders come to life. In this way visitors can live an authentic experience that recalls the daily life of those remote times.

The event is not only an opportunity to rediscover the Christmas tradition, but also an occasion to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas. The choice of setting the Living Nativity in the Monastery of Monticchio adds a touch of spirituality to the experience. In fact, the event turns into a moment of contemplation and reflection for the participants.

the living crib

  • -

The Magic Christmas Book: an enchanting afternoon for all children

Category:Blog,Events,Festivals,Pro Loco Tags : 

When: 28 December 2023, 4 pm
Where: Giardinetti di Massa Centro

The Magic Christmas Book: an extraordinary event is about to turn the afternoon of December 28 into an unforgettable experience. We invite all children to participate in a magical day of animated readings, creative workshops and a tasty Christmas snack.

The Magic Book of Christmas with “Barattoli Cosmici”

The stage will come alive with the show “The Magic Book of Christmas” brought to life by Storto and Diritto, two salesmen of Santa Claus. These bungling storytellers will guide us through an enchanted world, full of packages and boxes each containing a dream, a memory or a wish destined for children in every corner of the Earth. With the talented actors of “Barattoli Cosmici” and the narrative technique of the overhead projector, children will be transported into a fun and engaging story.

Creative Christmas Workshop

After the show, the little artists will have the opportunity to explore their creativity at the Christmas Workshop. With a wide range of colorful and festive materials available, children can create unique Christmas decorations and special gifts. They will be guided by experienced “elves” who help them to bring their ideas to life, promoting collaboration and sharing of ideas among participants.

Christmas snack

The day will end with a delicious Christmas snack, enriched by the enveloping fragrance of hot chocolate. Children can share their experiences and artistic creations while enjoying Christmas sweets.

The event is open to all children and it is completely free. Join us for an afternoon of magic, creativity and celebration. You will create special memories that will last forever. We look forward to sharing the enchantment of Christmas with you and your families!


  • -

Struffoli: the origins and recipe

Category:Blog,Food Tags : 

Struffoli are a typical desserts of the Christmas tradition in Massa Lubrense and, more generally, of the southern gastronomic tradition, mainly the Neapolitan one.

Also known as strangolapre(ve)te, struffoli look like small balls of sweet dough fried and then dipped in honey, decorated with colored sugared almonds and citron. A true delight that cannot be missed on Christmas dessert tables.

The origins of this dessert with a typically Neapolitan taste have much further roots. Well yes, according to tradition, it was the ancient Greeks who brought struffoli to the Gulf of Naples. In fact, it is precisely from the Greek that the name of this typical dessert derives, more precisely from the word “strongolus”, i.e. from the rounded shape. Another theory still linked to the etymology of the term would be that “struffolo” derives from the verb to rub to indicate the gesture made by those who work the dough, to roll it into a cylinder before cutting it into balls. According to others, struffoli are called like this because they rub the palate due to their goodness.

In Naples, once upon a time, struffoli were prepared in the convents by the nuns of the various orders and given as gifts for Christmas to noble families who had distinguished themselves for acts of charity. Probably, struffoli have become a typical Christmas dessert because one of the fundamental ingredients is honey, an element closely linked to the Catholic and Christian symbolism regarding love.

Today, struffoli are part of the Campania confectionery tradition, but each central-southern region has its own version. In Calabria and Basilicata they are known as “cicirata” due to their resemblance to chickpeas, in Abruzzo they are called “cicerchiata” because they resemble grass peas and in Palermo they are called “strufoli“. Each southern region prepares them according to its own traditions and recipes handed down from family to family.

The traditional recipe

Ingredients for the dough

  • 200g of sugar
  • 500g of flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 60g of butter
  • 1 orange peel
  • 1 lemon peel
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 15g of anise liqueur
  • 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla
  • peanut oil for frying

Ingredients for decorating

  • 175g of wildflower honey
  • silver sprinkles and food decorations
  • 30g of candied citron
  • 30g of candied cherries
  • 30g of candied orange

Preparation of struffoli

Mix the flour, sugar, butter and eggs, the grated lemon and orange, a pinch of salt, the glass of anise, vanilla and cinnamon in a bowl. Knead until you create a compact dough, cover it with a clean cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Divide the dough into 6/7 equal parts with a knife and cut into smaller and smaller parts until you obtain the struffoli of the right size. Place the struffoli on a cloth and fry them for 3 minutes in boiling oil and mix to obtain even cooking and browning. Once ready, transfer the struffoli to a tray covered with absorbent paper to remove excess oil. In the meantime, melt the honey in a saucepan.

Cut the cherries, citron and candied orange into cubes. Add everything to the struffoli, pour in the honey and mix well with a wooden ladle until the struffoli are completely wrapped in honey and leave to cool.

Transfer the mixture onto a serving plate and complete the dessert with decorations, sugared almonds and candied fruit. And now, all that remains is to taste the typical Christmas dessert!


  • -

Social networks in the tourism sector

Category:Blog,Featured,Travel Tags : 

One of the areas on which social networks have had the greatest impact is tourism. While some time ago the choice of a travel destination was influenced by friends, relatives or photos of catalogs proposed by travel agencies, today this choice is dictated by what you see or read on social media.

In a short span of time, the web has undergone a huge evolution and with it also its ways of use by users. This evolution has led to the appearance of those who take the name of “social networks”. These are online platforms that people access, creating a “community” where they can exchange messages and share photos and videos.

How have social networks changed people’s lives?

In recent years, social networks have become increasingly important in people’s lives. Most users use social media as a means of information, to read news conveniently and quickly from their pc or smartphone. The importance of social networks is also in their ability to influence the tastes and choices of their users through the sharing and exchange of information. Social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok are therefore seen as a place to research opinions and to draw inspiration from.

How do social media influence the choice of a trip?

Social users have the opportunity to share with other users the most beautiful moments and places of a trip and, at the same time, many people through social discover new destinations to reach. Travelers and tourists from all over the world are able, via social media, to save, share and recommend the places they most prefer, helping others to plan their vacation. This phenomenon, which is based on the sharing of photos, videos and stories of travel experiences, is called “social tourism“.

The transformation of users

Users have become more independent and able to create and share content, exchange reviews and information. They organize their trip directly online, without having to go to physical agencies, based on reviews of other travelers. This is why most of the accommodation facilities, tour operators and airlines have had to adapt to the new Digital Age. They became part of the virtual world through the promotion of their business and the creation of sales channels on social media. In fact, they have arisen the so-called OTA (online travel agencies); among the most famous there are Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb and Trivago, which, in exchange for a percentage, act as an intermediary between the providers of tourist services and customers. 

New opportunities for tourism promotion

It is now established that the booking of holidays takes place above all online. Social networks therefore give the opportunity to expand tourism promotion and they are able to revolutionize the decisions of tourists. For this, the use of social media has become essential for all tourism operators – from travel agencies to restaurants, from accommodation facilities to tourist guides – in order to promote destinations and attract customers, increase visibility and engage audiences effectively.