Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi is a charismatic ethnographer and expert in Mediterranean traditions, known for her innovative approach to the preservation and revitalization of Italian customs. Born in a picturesque Tuscan village, Isabella grew up immersed in a world of colorful festivals, regional cuisine, and ancient superstitions. Her fascination with local traditions was awakened during the long summer afternoons she spent listening to her great-grandmother's stories about mischievous elves inhabiting the olive groves and secret rituals to ensure a good harvest.

With a degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Bologna and a PhD in Folklore Studies from Sapienza University of Rome, Isabella has dedicated her career to documenting and reviving endangered traditions throughout Italy. Her doctoral thesis on the evolution of Italian carnivals from the Middle Ages to the present earned her international recognition and laid the foundation for her most ambitious project: "Radici Vive" (Living Roots), an initiative that combines academic research with community participation to keep local traditions alive. A crucial moment in her career was her discovery of an ancient harvest ritual in a remote Calabrian village that had survived in secret for generations. This experience inspired her to create a "living map" of Italian traditions, an interactive online project that allows communities to share and document their unique customs.

Isabella's passion for Italian traditions extends beyond her academic work. She is a talented cook and has studied with master cheesemakers, bakers, and winemakers throughout Italy to learn traditional food production techniques. She regularly organizes "narrative dinners" where she combines the tasting of regional dishes with stories about their history and cultural significance. Isabella is also an enthusiast of puppet theater, a traditional Italian art form that she uses to tell folk tales to children and adults alike. She has created a collection of handmade puppets, each representing a character from the rich pantheon of Italian legends. In her free time, Isabella practices traditional basket weaving, a skill she learned from local artisans during her field research. She sees this practice not only as a relaxing hobby but also as a tangible connection to the traditions she studies.

Vampires: Myths and Realities in History

The Role of Stars and Navigation in Polynesian Mythology

Leviathan: The legend of the great ocean monster