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A weekly dose of all things Italian directly to your inbox The twin cities of Gorizia in Italy and Nova Gorica in Slovenia have been jointly designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2025 in an unprecedented move that created the first crossborder capitale della cultura since the initiatives establishment Chances are that if you watched a movie set in Sicily you unknowingly heard the unmistakable twangy sound of the scacciapensieri. Small and unassuming it is known as jaw harp or Jews harp in English and produces a metallic vibration If you grew up as I did with grandparents who lived through the last world war you know how incredibly resourceful they were. They could cook with almost nothing they knew how to fix just about everything and nothing went The 75th edition of the Festival di Sanremo concluded only a few days ago with 23yearold Olly from Genoa securing victory with his ballad Maledetta Nostalgia. As is customary for Sanremo winners Ollys track has swiftly ascended to the top A new initiative is in motion to have Italian comedy recognized as part of UNESCOs Intangible Cultural Heritage a move that aims to celebrate a tradition deeply rooted in the countrys artistic and social fabric.