Say “I Love You” Italian Style “Ti Amo”
Get Your Gifts at Gioia!
It is good to celebrate LOVE, and February is just a reminder of that! In the US we celebrate every kind of love from romantic love to family love, school friends, neighbors, and we think of the less fortunate. We have fun with giving Valentines. In Italy Valentines Day, known as "
La Festa Degli Innamorati," is celebrated only between lovers and sweethearts who affectionately say “I love you” differently, “
Ti voglio bene.” Italians consider themselves great lovers, so you can imagine Italia at this time of year is a beautiful experience for all. Some towns will celebrate everywhere, in store windows, with the cuisine in restaurants, and with decorations on the streets and piazza.
Several years ago I traveled with my sisters, not the three Graces but the “
Tre Sorelle,” and we took a boat ride from Santa Margherita Ligure to a small fishing village on the west side of the Portofino Peninsula called Camogli. It is a very romantic town in Liguria, Riviera di Levante, in Golfo Paradiso (Paradise Gulf and that is a good name for this place) and especially for
La Festa Deglie Innamorati. You will find here a grand celebration of San Valentino. Read more by clicking here:
http://www.comune.camogli.ge.it/hh/index.php or here:
https://www.explore-italian-culture.com/valentines-day-traditions.html.
Another wonderful city we have visited in Italy is Verona and famous for the story of Romeo and Giulietta. In Verona Valentine festivities last a few days and are called
Un Cuore da Scoprire, A Heart to Discover. This is another beautiful Italian city celebrating with romantic markets and free chocolate tastings. Hearts decorate store windows and lighted hearts decorate the streets. In Verona love letters are posted under the balcony of Romeo and Giulietta, couples become engaged, love graffiti decorates the buildings exterior walls. For more ideas of how to celebrate with the Italians click here:
https://www.explore-italian-culture.com/valentines-day-creative-ideas.html.
At the same time we are celebrating St Valentines Day we are also finishing the
Carnevale Venezia. Would you like to experience standing along the Grand Canal late at night for the Parade of Boats that initiated this year’s Carnevale? Even if you watch only a few minutes you will feel as if you were there. To see the Parade of Boats Venice January 27, 2018, click here:
https://youtu.be/yLgYwaKVEEk
Carnevale official ends on Ash Wednesday February 13 with many activities in Venice. Costumes are judged, prizes awarded, and much merriment as the next day will be Ash Wednesday and begins the solemn time of Lent for many Christians.Click here to learn more:
http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/events/2018-02-13/
Gioia has many gifts for men and women for any day expressions of love and especially in celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. We are open by appointment at your convenience Phone 408-640-6628 to schedule a time. Men and woman love the inlaid wood boxes, coasters, glass blown paperweights, music CDs, linens, Italian jewelry, Italian glassware, hand painted ceramics, and much more.
When we think romance, we think of beautiful music and maybe a romantic dinner. I love to listen to the mandolin and especially when it is played by Al Fabrizio whom I met several times through our Italian Festivals. He is quite an accomplished musician with Mandolin Music Heartstrings. Gioia has a nice selection of CDs by Italian musicians and vocalists, including al Fabrizio and Pasquale Esposito.
We also think of sweets when it comes to Valentines Day and making your own ladyfingers and tiramisu is worth the time.
For fabulous recipes for ladyfingers and tiramisu, click here.
Our beautiful jewelry is offered at 20% off for purchases over $50 through February. We hope to see you; there is nothing like Murano glass and sterling jewelry … stunning. Please visit us for
Festa Gioia which will take place two days this month as we are often asked for more open house events. Join us
February 17th and 18th, Saturday and Sunday, noon to six p.m. to continue that “Loving Feeling” of Valentine’s Day. We will be serving a special meal made up of local seasonal vegetables pasta and
panettone with candied oranges and apricots. RSVP to 408-640-6628 and bring a friend!
To learn about the
fruits and vegetables in seasons in California, click here.
We welcome you to Gioia!!
To read past newsletters filled with information about everything Italian click here and sign up.
Gioia is always open by appointment, Contact Kathy 408-640-6628.
FEBRUARY 2018
PASQUALE ESPOSITO IN CONCERT:
"A NIGHT WITH THE ITALIANS"
With Mission Chamber Orchestra San Jose
Date: Saturday, Feb 10th
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Trianon Theater - San Joes
Tickets click here:
http://missionchamber.org/cat_ticket.shtml
FESTA GIOIA FEBRUARY
San Valentino
Special event 20 percent discount on Italian jewelry over $50
Date: Sat. and Sun., Feb. 17-18
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Place: 16395 Roseleaf Court, Los Gatos
Celebrate with us the Joy of Amore with beautiful artworks, good food, friends and fun
RSVP: 408-640-6628
UPCOMING and ALWAYS...
LITTLE ITALY SAN JOSE
Vibrant Emerging Community in Little Italy San Jose near the San Jose Arena and Guadalupe Park:
323 W St. John St., San Jose, CA 95110
Become a part of the efforts by becoming a member, ordering a brick, volunteering, and most of all participating in the Italian Culture with Food Contests, Easter Egg Hunt, Wine Tastings and upcoming Street Festival Sunday October 7,2018.
Click here to join their newsletter to learn about upcoming events.
ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION San Jose
Fun and Educational Italian Style
Regional lunches, dinners out “
Cena Fuori” at local Italian restaurants, lectures, language classes and a special Feb. 10th Pasquale Esposito Concert. Click Here to learn more:
https://www.iahfsj.org/events
LIBRERIA PINO SAN FRANCISCO BOOK CLUB
For Readers of books written in Italian. Please tell them Gioia sent you!
To read their flyer, click here.
Online through Facebook
https://www.libreriapino.com/
Meet Up for the
Book Club by clicking here.
Pasquale Esposito, Italian Tenor
GIOIA ITALIAN ART AND PRODUCTS always opened by appointment in Los Gatos. Call Kathy 408.640.6628 or Contact kathywinkelman@gioiacompany.com
ANDREA BOCELLI
Sorrento Emotions and Dreams Presents
Andrea Bocelli in Concert in Tuscany
We invite you to be enthralled by the amazing voice of
Maestro Andrea Bocelli performing in Laiatico at the “Teatro del Silenzio”,
an exclusive theatre created by Maestro Bocelli in the beautiful Tuscan hills.
Click here to learn more.
CAMPANIA
Thinking of staying in the Vietri sul Mare region? Here is a B & B owned by one of our friends in Italy, check it out.
CASA IDA Historic House Rental & B&B Italy
Campania, near Vietri sul Mari,
Cava Dei Tirreni, Campania, Italy
On
Facebook
SORRENTO
ITALY FOR THE SPRING
Sorrento Emotions and Dreams
Italian Specialist and Local Residents
Luxury, tailor made vacations
Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Isle of Capri and all of Italy
Enjoy holidays, short breaks, weddings, honeymoon, dining, cooking, shopping, scuba diving, water activities, coastal excursions with personal crew.
Contact Signore Tonino Pepe,pepetonino2@gmail.com, and tell him Gioia Co. sent you.
PUGLIA
Puglia, Italy with Valentina
May 14-25, 2018.
Travel through the Puglia region
A step into real Puglia with Valentina,author, designer, artist and native.
To read about trips and see videos, click here:
https://valentinaexpressions.com/trips-to-puglia-2
UMBRIA/TUSCANY-- Right on the border
Vacation at
Le Selve, an Agriturismo! Contact
info@gioiacompany.com or 408.640.6628 for a special introduction to the owner. Sleeps six or 12. Two stories. Separate units. Beautiful view. Organic olive grove. Walking trails. Full kitchen. Swimming pool.
FLORENCE TOURS WITH CHRISTINA MIFSUD
Multiple tours available from Christina Mifsud from Florence.
For more details on the various opportunities, click here.
ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTER SACRAMENTO
This club offers ongoing tours in Italy especially their Thanksgiving trips. Check them out here and tell them Gioia sent you!
http://www.italiancenter.net/
See you soon...
GIOIA ITALIAN ART AND PRODUCTS
Pasquale Esposito in Concert 
