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ALWAYS AT EASTER – COLOMBA DI PASQUA

For sure this traditional Italian Easter yeast bread called “La Colomba” (Easter Dove) will not be missed on any Italian table. It’s shape recalls the dove symbolizing peace and resurrection.

The dough is soft and fragrant, rich in butter and eggs, mixed with pieces of candied oranges. The almond icing is applied before baking, giving it a sweet, crisp crust. Here is a recipe for those who want to bake it!

Shared by Patricia at www.simplychillout.com

#italy #food #tradtional #colomba #easterdove #cake #bakery #sweetbread



Easter Dove- Colomba Di Pasqua Recipe – Food.com
Easter in Italy will not be without the lovely yummy cake in form of a dove, a Easter dove sign of peace

MASKS, DISGUISES, SATIRE AND BIZARRE PANTOMIME

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The Carnival, the only festivity not linked to Catholic liturgy, is deep rooted in the Sardinian culture. Across the island the festivities start with the bonfires of Saint Anthony on 17th January while the main celebrations take place between Ash Thursday and Ash Tuesday to conclude on Ash Wednesday. Interestingly the main carnival characters vary quite strongly from region to region.

The Carnival often recalls archaic rites, where the year end is represented by a king or queen (in Tempio Pausiania) or by a rag puppet that is tried, condemned to the stake and afterwards mourned with a ridiculous funeral whine (in Bosa, Maimone, Cagliari).

In the center of the island, Carnival often features mute masks of ancient origin such as Mamuthones and Issohadores (Mamoiada), Boes and Merdules (Ottana) and Sos Thuros (Orotelli).

Especially in the region of Oristano, equistrian performances are at the heart of the Carnival (e.g. Sartiglia in Oristano, Sa carrela ‘nanti in Santulussurgiu, Sa corsa e sa pudda in Ghilarza).

No matter where you decide to go, the Carnival is usually accompanied by beans with bacon, fritters (kind of donuts) and plenty of local wine. Have fun!

Photo: Maurizio Aresi by www.sardiniaturismo.eu
Posted by Patricia at www.simplychillout.com

#sardinia #italy #carnival #celebration #culture #carnevale #sardegna #sardinien #italien #kultur #feier #fasnacht

CARNIVAL KICK-OFF WITH THE FIRE OF SAINT ANTONY

Each year in the night of January 16 many bonfires are lit across whole Sardinia in honor of Saint Anthony, a leading exponent of Egyptian asceticism of the third century AC. Christians see this ancient cult as a devoted opponent of the devils and hell fire. The legend says that St. Anthony stole a glowing spark from the world of the dead to provide mankind with fire.

That night, people ask graces and miracles to the Saint in an magical setting dominated by the bonfire consuming huge piles of wood. Mixing Christian devotion and ancient pagan traditions, this rite is documented since the mid-nineteenth century, but its origins are definitely more remote. After the liturgical rites and the blessing of the fire, participants regroup around the bonfire to chat, sing, taste sweets and wine offered by the community. The fire burns all night and the shape of its smoke supposedly predicts good auspices and prophecies. This old ritual also indicates the start of the Carnival.

Posted by Patricia at www.simplychillout.com
Photo: www.sardegnaturismo.it

#sardinia #italy #rite #fire #saintanthony #santantonio #fuoco #rito #carnival #carnevale #sardinien #feuer #fasnacht #brauch

VISIT SARDINIA IN THE SPRING

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In the island Spring starts in March and ends middle of May, when early summer begins. The fragrant herbs and aromatic Mediterranean plants are in full bloom and dress entire regions into a sea of colors.

Spring is the ideal time if you feel comfortable with mild temperatures, love the simple life on the beach with a well-filled picnic basket. And if it rains … well, make yourself comfortable under the covered terrace of your holiday home and enjoy an excellent bottle of local red wine!

Our properties are close to the marvelous beaches of Chia and many more natural attractions. If this sounds good to you, visit our website or contact me!

Shared by Patricia at www.simplychillout.com

#sardinia #italy #holidays #spring #flora #rental #villas #apartments #villettas

SO MANY IMPRESSIONS IN ONE PLACE

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What to do on a grey winter day? My suggestion is to go to the amazing market of San Benedetto in the center of Cagliari. This experience is a feast for all senses! I never can get enough of the vibrant colors and wonderful smells of all the delicious food gracefully put on display.

For me this place is magic – I recommend it to anyone keen to learn about the Sardinian culture and its food. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Ah, don’t forget! On the way out, buy some freshly fried calamaris. They are so yum!

The best time to visit this fantastic market is before 10:00 am, from Monday to Thursday. The market is located in Via Francesco Cocco Ortu and is open daily until 13.00. There are plenty of parking lots nearby. Enjoy!

Shared with love by Patricia at www.simplychillout.com

#sardinia #italy #cagliari #mercatosanbenedetto #market #sardinien #italien #markt #ausflug #excurision #shopping #einkauf

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH LENTILS, POMEGRANATE AND RED UNDERWEAR

To welcome the New Year, Italians all have their own regional traditions. However, here are three customs that are mostly shared across the peninsula and the islands:

Lentils are known since ancient times for their great nutritional value and are associated with coins because of their shape. For Italians eating lentils on the last day of the year means having a year of abundance, money and economic rewards. Traditionally lentils are served with cotechino (pork sausage) or zampone (stuffed pork knuckle). The fatty and nutritious pork meat equally stands for abundance and prosperity.

Another custom is to eat pomegranate the last night of the year as a symbol of fidelity and fertility. Eating this delicious fruit together with your partner, boyfriend or husband is a sign of devotion and prosperity.

Following the color of pomegranate seeds, it is believed that wearing red underwear on December 31 will bring love and luck in the New Year. Yet the custom is that it has to be thrown away the next day.

What is the New Year tradition in your country?

Photo and recipe for cotechino and lentils: http://www.dissapore.com/grande-notizia/ricetta-cotechino-e-lenticchie/

Shared by Patricia at www.simplychillout.com

#sardinia #tradition #newyear #sardinien #neujahr #italy #italien #lentils #pomegranate

3 TIMES MORE LAMBS THAN INHABITANTS

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Sheep-farming has always been one of the most prolific and productive activities in Sardinia. As a result of this very old tradition, there are currently about 5 million Sardinian lambs on the island!

The meat is a high quality food, organic and rich in protein. It is lean, tender, easily digestible, and above all, its aromatic taste recalls the wild herbs that the animals have been grazing freely in the fields. The best way to cook the lamb is in the oven, but it can also be prepared on the grill or in a pan, seasoned with local white wine, garlic, olive oil and herbs. A unique delicacy!

Shared by Patricia at
www.simplychillout.com

#sardinia #italy #food #lamb #specialties #gourmet

SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

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Why not surprise your loved one with a traditional Sardinian dish! This very pretty looking dumpling is called Culurgiones, a delicious pasta filled with potatoes, fresh and aged pecorino, garlic and mint. On this special day, we suggest to serve the culurgiones just with a heavenly tomato sauce.

The most challenging part is the closing of the dumpling, which makes it look so gorgeous. If you want to learn how to make Culurgiones, have a look at this video!

Buon appetito and Happy Valentine!

#sardinia #italy #specialty #culurgiones #valentine #food

SARTIGLIA IN ORISTANO 11/13 FEBRUARY 2018

The celebrations of the New Year have just ended and the next big events are already being prepared.

One of the most spectacular happenings in Sardinia during Carnival is the traditional and unique equestrian performance, la Sartiglia, which takes place in Oristano (North West of Sardinia) this year on 11 and 13 February.

The main figure of the ride is Su Componidori, a horseman dressed in a fascinating rite and becomes the king of the celebrations. The riders wear a large white embroidered cape with a camellia pinned on, a black top hat and a wooden mask with delicate almost androgynous lines, which give it a magical look.

The horsemen gallop through the narrow streets of the town centre and try to spear with their swords a silver star which is hung across their path. At the end of the ride the event continues with daring horseback acrobatics a thigh speed. But the most exciting and spectacular moment of the show is when younger ones ride in the same way taking everybody’s breath away.

If you are around Oristano at this time of the year, don’t miss this exceptional experience!

Photo: Angelo Porcheddu
Posted by Patricia at www.simplychillout.com

#sardinia #italy #event #sartiglia #oristiano #sardinien #italien #erreignis #fasnacht #carnival #tradition

THE PEACEFUL COUNTRYSIDE NEAR SANT’ANNA ARRESI

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Visiting the lovely area around Sant’Anna Arresi can be a very rewarding excursion for the whole family. Take a stroll through the graceful town, spend a relaxing afternoon at Porto Pino beach with the white dunes in the back, visit the caves of Is Zuddas or observe the wildlife by the lagoon of Santa Caterina …

From the Chia area, Sant’Anna Arresi can be reached in 45 minutes by car. A great way to see more of this surprising island.

Posted by Patricia at www.simplychillout.com

#sardinia #italy #santannaarresi #portopino #excursion #sardinie #italien #strand #ausflug #landschaft#countryside