Voices of Italy - Beyond la Dolce Vita

In this compelling episode of "Voices of Italy," we delve into the intricate tapestry of Italian identity through the lens of tennis sensation Yannick Sinner. Discover how this red-haired, German-speaking athlete from South Tyrol challenges traditional Italian stereotypes and becomes a modern icon. We explore the historical and cultural complexities of South Tyrol, the region's unique autonomy, and the broader implications for Italian identity in 2025. Join us as we unravel the debates surrounding national belonging, regional pride, and the evolving face of Italy. Don't miss this insightful discussion that questions who truly deserves to be called Italian today.Follow the podcast, leave a review, and visit our website at voicesofitalypodcast.com. Your support helps us grow! Grazie mille for listening!

In this episode, we delve into the cultural and symbolic significance of St. Francis Day in modern Italy. Join Alessia as she explores how this newly reinstated national holiday reflects Italy's ongoing struggle to balance tradition with economic realities. Discover insights from prominent Italian authors and cultural figures, and learn why St. Francis remains a powerful icon today. Tune in to understand the broader implications of this holiday on Italian identity and values.TakeawaysSt. Francis Day is a new national holiday in Italy.The holiday aims to celebrate unity and humility.Italians are divided on the economic impact of the holiday.The law passed with significant political support.The holiday reflects Italy's cultural identity and values.Critics argue it prioritizes symbolism over substance.The holiday may cost Italy billions in economic output.St. Francis is a unifying figure for Italians.The introduction of the holiday is seen as a political gesture.There is a tension between tradition and economic efficiency.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the New National Holiday00:36 Economic Implications of the Holiday01:37 Reintroduction of San Francesco d'Assisi Day03:24 Economic Implications of the Holiday05:54 Cultural and Political Significance08:14 Balancing Tradition and Modernity08:45 The Cultural Significance of St. Francis Day10:28 Modern Resonance of St. Francis13:21 The Impact of New Holidays in Italy14:52 Cultural Identity and Economic Reality in ItalyKeywordsSt. Francis Day, Italy, cultural identity, national holiday, political symbolism, economic impact, social values, unity, humility, patriotism

From the golden age of Commedia all’Italiana to today’s streaming-era satire, Italian comedy has always been more than laughter—it’s a mirror of who we are. In this episode of Voices of Italy: Beyond La Dolce Vita we explore how humor has shaped and reflected Italian culture, identity, and social change.Discover how icons like Alberto Sordi and Totò used irony as social critique, why cinepanettoni became both beloved and controversial, and how modern comedians like Checco Zalone are redefining what makes Italians laugh today. From film to Netflix specials, from political jokes to everyday absurdities—this is the story of Italy told through its laughter.💬 Join the conversation: Who’s your favorite Italian comedian? What makes you laugh the most about Italian life? Share your thoughts on Instagram @voicesofitaly and visit voicesofitalypodcast.com to explore all episodes, platforms, and updates about the show.🎧 Voices of Italy is the podcast that dives deep into modern Italian culture—beyond stereotypes, beyond la dolce vita.#ItalianComedy #CommediaAllItaliana #CulturalIdentity #VoicesOfItaly #ItalyThroughHumor #ItalianCulture

In this episode, we explore the cultural phenomenon of calcio in Italy, delving into its historical roots, societal impact, and the controversies that surround it. From its ties to organized crime and political influence to its role as a unifying force in Italian culture, calcio is more than just a sport—it's a reflection of Italy's identity.

Why does Italy shut down in August? From the ancient Roman roots of Ferragosto to modern beach culture, August has long been the month when Italy slows down, closes shop, and heads to the sea. But in today’s Italy, this tradition is under pressure. Rising costs, changing vacation habits, and heated debates about beach concessions are reshaping how Italians experience summer.In this episode of Voices of Italy, we dive into the cultural identity tied to August holidays, the economic impact of seasonal closures, and the growing question: is the “great August shutdown” still relevant in 2025? Along the way, we explore why a simple beach day is turning into a luxury, and how tourism, tradition, and societal change intersect in Italian life.🎧 Tune in for cultural insights, history, and personal reflections on what August really means in Italy today.👉 I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me on social media, share your questions and experiences, and join the conversation about what August in Italy means to you.📸 Instagram: @voicesofitaly📘 Facebook: Voices of Italy 🌐 Bluesky: @voicesofitaly.bsky.social

Italy is famous for its charm, warmth, and hospitality — but when it comes to customer service, the experience isn’t always dolce. In this episode of Voices of Italy, we dive into one of the country’s most misunderstood and rarely discussed cultural quirks: Italian-style service.Why do some waiters act like you’re interrupting their day? Is the grumpy barista part of the charm? And how do expectations around service differ from country to country?Through personal stories, cultural reflections, and a touch of humor, we explore what makes Italian customer service feel so unique — sometimes frustrating, sometimes unforgettable, and often deeply human. From the retail floor to restaurant tables and call centers, it’s a candid look at the unspoken rules, contradictions, and cultural context behind service in Italy.🎧 Whether you’re Italian, an expat, or just someone who’s ever waited a suspiciously long time for their cappuccino — this one’s for you.

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most iconic and complex expressions of Italian identity: Made in Italy.Is it just a label? A global brand? Or a cultural mission?To explore this, I’m joined by journalist, storyteller, and cultural ambassador Patrizia La Daga, founder of Italiani Ovunque and International Network Development for the Made in Italy Community. Speaking to us from Barcelona, Patrizia shares her perspective on what Made in Italy means today, the challenges of representing Italian excellence abroad, and the importance of protecting the values behind the label — beyond marketing, nostalgia, and cliché.We talk about:What “Made in Italy” really represents in 2025The gap between Italy’s image and realityWhy storytelling is key to cultural identityThe role of the diaspora in promoting Italian values globallyHow institutions could do more to support Italian talentIf you're passionate about Italian culture, branding, soft power, or simply want to understand modern Italy from a fresh and global point of view, this episode is for you.📚 Check this out:🔹 Patrizia's Book: Quando potevamo ballare per strada – A powerful dystopian novel by Patrizia La Daga about memory, identity, and cultural loss in a future where freedom no longer exists. 💬 Let’s keep the conversation going!Follow me on Instagram at @voicesofitaly, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

Ciao everyone!This week, we’re diving into the aftermath of Italy’s most recent failed referendum (June 8–9, 2025), which didn’t reach quorum—again. But this isn’t just political commentary. It’s a deeper reflection on what this means for us as Italians, and why we often seem to be our own worst enemy when it comes to change.Inspired by a conversation with my very American boyfriend—who said Italy often feels like a place that turns you pessimistic—we break down what happened, what didn’t, and what this says about our relationship with politics, authority, and civic duty.We touch on:Why Italians don’t vote, even when they deeply care about the issues (like job insecurity and workplace deaths)How fascism’s legacy still shapes our distrust of authorityThe contradiction between our love for “la dolce vita” and our deep dissatisfactionCultural cynicism, and our national addiction to complainingWhat leadership even looks like in a country with so little political continuityThis episode is a blend of after-fight commentary, social critique, and cultural introspection. If you’ve ever wondered why referendums in Italy fail so often or why Italians sound so frustrated yet stay home on voting day—this is the one for you.🗣️ Let’s connect:Follow me on Instagram at @voicesofitaly to join the conversation. Let me know what you think—Do you vote? Why or why not? #VoicesOfItaly #ItalianPolitics #ItalianCulture #Referendum2025 #WhyItaliansDontVote #ItalyVsItaly #Precarietà #MortalSulLavoro #ItalianCitizenship #SouthItaly #ItalianSociety #PoliticalApathy #LeadershipCrisis #GiorgiaMeloni #ItalianStereotypes #LaDolceVita

Why does a country with trash in the streets and mafia scandals in the headlines also rank among the best in Europe for recycling? Welcome to Italy’s green contradiction — where civic pride and public cynicism coexist, and where citizens sort their waste religiously while organized crime controls the landfills.In this episode of Voices of Italy, we dig beneath the surface of Italy’s environmental reputation. From the infamous Terra dei Fuochi in Campania to the dark history of radioactive waste off the coast of Calabria and the mafia’s grip on the waste industry in Sicily, we uncover the paradoxes that define Italy’s relationship with sustainability and corruption.You’ll hear about:Why Italy scores surprisingly high on EU recycling chartsThe rise of Ecomafia and how criminal organizations profit from environmental destructionHow self-perception, stereotypes, and European comparisons shape the Italian civic identityReal cases from Sicily and Calabria that reveal the scale of environmental crimeLocal initiatives fighting back with organic farming, reclaimed land, and civic courage🔍 Whether you’re Italian, part of the diaspora, an expat or simply passionate about Italy, this episode invites you to see beyond the stereotypes — and into the complex, messy beauty of a country trying to reconcile its best and worst instincts.🛒 Want to support the fight for environmental justice in Italy? Explore liberaterra.it and discover products made on lands freed from the mafia, including organic wine, pasta, and preserves.#VoicesOfItaly #ItalianPodcast #EnvironmentalJustice #Ecomafia #Sustainability #ItalyRecycles #ItalianContradictions #CivicSense #MadeInItaly #AntiMafia #LiberaTerra #ItalianDiaspora #ItalyToday #EcoItaly

In this episode of Voices of Italy, the conversation delves into the complexities of modern Italian identity, particularly through the lens of immigration and bureaucracy.The podcast is joined Davide Cellini, the founder of Your Assist in Italy, who has spent years helping people navigate the often chaotic and opaque Italian immigration system. Together, we unpack what it really means to try to build a life in Italy as a foreigner today — from inconsistent immigration processes to deep cultural myths, to the significance of the upcoming citizenship referendum on June 8–9, 2025.This isn’t just a how-to or a legal breakdown — it’s a raw and insightful look at how personal identity, paperwork, and belonging intersect in today’s Italy. In this episode you'll hear that:Navigating Italian immigration is incredibly challenging for foreigners.Many Italians are unaware of the difficulties immigrants face.The mood of public officers handling your file can significantly impact outcomes.Bureaucratic processes in Italy have become increasingly complex.The upcoming referendum aims to reduce the residency time requirement for citizenship.Cultural myths about Italy often clash with the reality of living here.Many foreigners face significant hurdles in converting their visas.A lack of communication between bureaucratic offices leads to confusion and delays.Identity in Italy is deeply tied to regional and national pride.Founder of Your Assist in Italy, Davide is known for his no-nonsense, people-first approach to helping individuals from around the world tackle Italy’s infamous red tape. Check him out here:📸 Instagram: ⁠@yourassistinitaly⁠🌐 Website: ⁠yourassistinitaly.com⁠Episode Timeline00:00 – Intro Podcast01:51 – Introduction to Davide Cellini and His Work03:04 – Davide's Background and Journey03:54 – Navigating Italian Bureaucracy06:04 – Common Challenges in Immigration Processes08:28 – Misconceptions About Italian Bureaucracy11:18 – The Student to Work Permit Transition13:53 – The Role of Landlords in Immigration15:59 – Absurdities in the Immigration Process18:44 – The Future of AI in Bureaucracy19:34 – Language Barriers in Italy's Bureaucracy21:00 – Challenges in Immigration Processes24:36 – The Upcoming Citizenship Referendum32:55 – Personal Reflections on Italian Identity41:33 – Share Your VoiceIf this episode opened your eyes, moved you, or made you reflect, share it with a friend or colleague who’s thinking about moving to Italy — or who’s already facing the same struggles.💬 I'd love to hear from you!Tell me your story or drop a voice message @voicesofitaly! Follow Voices of Italy for weekly episodes that explore the myths, realities, and contradictions of life in Italy — from someone who lives it, every day.

In this episode of Voices of Italy, I take a closer look at Netflix’s Nonnas, a heartwarming comedy film that puts Italian grandmothers front and center — all while serving generous helpings of homemade pasta and nostalgia. But is this really what it means to be Italian?We talk about what happens when Italian identity is packaged for a global audience. What do we gain from these feel-good portrayals of Italian nonnas — and what do we lose when their stories are simplified into a single flavor of tradition? This isn’t about tearing anything down. It’s about looking closer: at the choices behind the camera, the voices left out, and the gap between nostalgia and real-life Italy. Let’s talk about the stories that are chosen, the voices we don’t hear, and the Italy that exists beyond the clichés.Have you watched Netflix’s Nonnas? Did it make you smile, cry, or maybe even cringe a little? I’d love to know what you saw — and what you didn’t.Connect with me on Instagram @voicesofitaly or leave a voice message on SpeakPipe (link in bio). Your voice could even be featured in a future episode!#VoicesOfItaly #NetflixNonnas #ItalianIdentity #ItalianCulture #DiasporaDialogues #ItalianAmerican #ModernItaly #BeyondLaDolceVita #MadeInItaly #ItalianPodcast #ItaliansAbroad #CulturaItaliana #StereotypesAndStories #ItalyOnScreen #AuthenticItaly

In this episode of Voices of Italy, we go beyond the clichés of Italian Catholicism with a mix of personal reflections, cultural analysis, and—most importantly—real voices from the streets of Italy.I asked everyday Italians how they see faith, religion, and the Church in their lives. What they told me might surprise you.Are Italians still Catholic… or just culturally so? And what does that even mean?🎧 Honest takes, generational shifts, and spiritual contradictions—all in one episode.Real Italian voices: raw, unfiltered perspectives from people on the streetThe tension between tradition and belief in Italian Catholic identityThe rise of “spiritual but not religious” in modern ItalyMy own reflections growing up in a Catholic cultureThe Church’s influence on politics... and their conflictIf you're curious about how religion still shows up in Italian life—or if you're wondering whether Italy is changing spiritually—this episode is for you.

In this off-the-cuff episode of Voices of Italy, we dive straight into a film that stirred up a lot of feelings: Netflix’s Toscana. It’s a perfect excuse to talk about how Italy is portrayed on screen—and how it actually feels to live here.I unpack what the movie gets right (yes, the food scenes are legit), what feels like fantasy, and how it all ties into real Italian values: simplicity, family, heritage, and that elusive “La Dolce Vita.” I also share personal reflections about Italian hospitality, small-town life, and why tourism can be a blessing and a headache.This episode is more dynamic and spontaneous than usual—so if something resonates, surprises you, or even makes you roll your eyes, I’d love to hear it. DM me, leave a voice note, or send a pigeon (but preferably the first two).🎯 Topics Covered:Why Toscana might surprise you (even if it’s cheesy)Food as memory, family, and cultural glueWhat hospitality looks like beyond the travel brochuresHow modern Italians juggle tradition and identityThe emotional weight of heritageTourism vs. authenticity: the ongoing battle🎧 🗣️ Let me know what you think—your voice matters in this conversation!#VoicesOfItaly #LaDolceVita #ToscanaNetflix #ItalianCulture #ItalianLife #ItalianHeritage #ItalianFood #ModernItaly #ItalianTraditions #FoodIsCulture #SlowLife #ItalyBeyondTheStereotypes #MadeInItaly #ItalianCinema #LivingInItaly

April 25th is Liberation Day in Italy, a national holiday that marks the end of Nazi occupation and Fascist rule during World War II. But behind the celebrations, the day also sparks heated debates about history, memory, and national identity.In this episode of Voices of Italy, we explore what April 25th really means today. Why does Liberation Day still divide opinions? How has the way Italians remember (or forget) the Resistance changed over time? And what role does history play in shaping modern Italy's political and cultural landscape?When it comes to Liberation Day, Italy's past continues to echo into its present, remembering isn’t always as simple as it seems.If you want to learn more about the personal stories of the Italian Resistance fighters, you can visit the project Noi Partigiani - Memoriale della Resistenza Italiana here.A big thank you also to the community of Italian Women USA (IWUSA) for their invaluable help and kindness. You can find them on Instagram and Facebook, or visit their website here.🎧 Tune in for personal reflections, historical insights, and a fresh look at one of Italy’s most important, and complex, national holidays.#VoicesOfItaly #LiberationDay #April25Italy #ItalianHistory #ItalyPodcast #ItalianCulture #MemorialDayItaly #NoiPartigiani #ItalianResistance #LearnItalianCulture #ModernItaly

In this Easter special of Voices of Italy, we unwrap what Pasqua really looks like today—beyond the church bells and chocolate eggs.We start in Firenze with the Scoppio del Carro, where the “Brindellone” literally explodes in front of the Duomo in a mix of medieval pageantry and modern fireworks. Then we dig into the (possibly true?) story of Casa Sartorio in Torino, which may have patented the very first chocolate egg—take that, Kinder.Next, we head south to my native Sicily for “A Sguondru,” a unique tradition in Naro (AG) where statues of the Madonna and the Risen Christ run—yes, run!—to meet in the town square in a theatrical reenactment of joy and resurrection.And let’s not forget Pasquetta, aka Lunedì dell’Angelo: the national day of countryside escapes, overcooked lamb, and plastic chairs under olive trees. I’ll explain how this holiday got its name and what it says about modern Italian values (spoiler: it's less religion, more BBQ and chaos).🧡 Whether you’re Italian, part of the diaspora, or just culturally curious, this episode celebrates all the contradictions, beauty, and drama of how Italians spend Easter weekend.🎙️ Share your Pasqua or Pasquetta stories with me! Tag @voicesofitaly on Instagram or send a voice note to be featured in future episodes.#VoicesOfItaly #PasquaInItaly #Pasquetta #ScoppioDelCarro #Brindellone #ASguondru #EasterInItaly #ItalianTraditions #DiasporaItaliana #MadeInItaly #ItalianPodcast #ModernItaly #EasterSunday #LunedìDellAngelo #ItalianCulture #ItalyUnfiltered #SpringInItaly

In this episode of Voices of Italy, we’re putting five of the most common stereotypes about Italian identity under the microscope, from our obsession with food, to the Mafia cult.These clichés are everywhere in films, travel blogs, even in how Italians see themselves. But what happens when we start to believe the myth more than the reality? Join me as I explore the truths and the half-truths and why they are more complicated than you think.If this episode sparks your curiosity, I highly recommend the podcast and the book with the same name Denominazione di Origine Inventata: a brilliant dive into how many aspects of Italian cuisine are, well… a little more recent and a lot more constructed than we’ve been led to believe.Let’s talk! DM me on Instagram @voicesofitaly or tag me in your reactions and thoughts. Your stories make this podcast come alive!#VoicesOfItaly #ItalianCulture #MadeInItaly #ItalianStereotypes #DOIpodcast #DenominazioneOrigineInventata #ItalianIdentity #BeyondLaDolceVita #ItalyMythbusters

Dante Alighieri is often reduced to just Inferno—his depiction of Hell, demons, and eternal punishments has fascinated people for centuries. But there’s so much more to his story. He was a political exile, a linguistic trailblazer, and a man whose words helped shape Italian identity long before Italy even existed as a nation.In this episode of Voices of Italy, we go beyond the pop culture clichés and schoolbook summaries to explore Dante’s real impact on Italy. Why was he exiled? How did he revolutionize the Italian language? And why does Italy dedicate a national day—Dantedì—to honor him every year?If you’re inspired to experience Dante’s world firsthand, here are some must-visit places in Italy that bring his legacy to life:🏡 Dante’s House in Florence – The Casa di Dante museum offers a deep dive into his life and times, right in the heart of his hometown.🚶‍♂️ Dante’s Inferno Trail in Tuscany – Explore the landscapes that influenced The Divine Comedy, including the Hermitage of Camaldoli and La Verna.🏛️ Ravenna’s Dante Connection – Visit his tomb and the Basilica of San Francesco, where his funeral was held, and immerse yourself in the city’s annual celebrations dedicated to him.Tune in to discover why Dante’s legacy still resonates across centuries—and why he’s far more than just Inferno.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!#DanteAlighieri #Inferno #DivineComedy #DantesInferno #DanteLegacy #ItalianHistory #FlorenceItaly #Ravenna #Dantedì #ItalianCulture #ItalyTravel #MedievalHistory #ItalianLanguage #ItalyPodcast #VoicesOfItaly

Italy became a unified country in 1861. Or did it? In this episode of Voices of Italy, we dive into the fascinating and chaotic story of Italian unification, separating historical fact from patriotic myth. From Garibaldi’s Redshirts and Cavour’s political chess game to the deep regional divisions that persist today, we explore how a fragmented land full of independent states was (forcefully) stitched together into a single nation.But uniting Italy on a map was just the beginning. The real challenge? Uniting its people. Even after 1861, Venice and Rome weren’t part of the new kingdom, and regional differences (cultural, linguistic, and economic) remained sharp. We discuss how the famous phrase "Fatta l’Italia, bisogna fare gli italiani" (“Italy is made, now we must make Italians”) still rings true today.And what if we told you that L’Unità d’Italia wasn’t truly completed by Garibaldi, but by… televizion? TV legend Mike Bongiorno may have done more to create a shared Italian identity than any 19th-century general. We’ll explore how television, education, and mass media played a surprising role in bringing Italians together.Episode 9 covers:✅ How Italy was unified: from the Kingdom of Sardinia to a nation-state✅ The story of Garibaldi, Cavour, and the myths of the Risorgimento✅ Why regional divides still shape Italy today, from language to politics✅ The unexpected role of television in unifying Italians✅ How Italy’s deep-rooted differences continue to influence modern society🎧 Tune in for a deep dive into Italian history, culture, and identity—and discover why Italy, in many ways, is still a work in progress.#ItalianUnification #ItalyHistory #Risorgimento #Garibaldi #Cavour #ItalianCulture #RegionalDifferences #MadeInItaly #ItalyThenAndNow #VoicesOfItaly #HistoryPodcast #ItalianIdentity #MikeBongiorno #ItalianTV #ItalyExplained #LearnItalianHistory #ItalyFacts #ItalyBeyondLaDolceVita

Why do Italian emails sound like royal proclamations? Why does government paperwork read like an ancient spellbook? And why do some university guidelines in Italy feel like they were written to confuse students on purpose?In this episode of Voices of Italy: Beyond La Dolce Vita, we break down why formality is so deeply ingrained in Italian language and culture—from bureaucratic jargon (burocratese) to hyper-polite email etiquette and official documents that even Italians struggle to understand.🔹 What is burocratese? Italy’s own overly complex, official “dead language.”🔹 Emails & workplace etiquette—how Italians use 10 words to say what could take 3.🔹 The conspiracy theory—is bureaucracy designed to be confusing on purpose?🔹 University guidelines, tax documents & legalese—real-life struggles with Italian formality.From red tape nightmaEpisode 8 unpacks it all with humor and real-life stories.🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to follow for more deep dives into the reality of modern Italy!#Italy #ItalianLanguage #Burocratese #ItalianCulture #ExpatsInItaly #ItalianBureaucracy #FormalLanguage #LivingInItaly #ItalianWorkLife #ItalianTraditions #ItalyPodcast #ItalianEtiquette #ItalianEmails #Bureaucracy #VoicesOfItalyLet’s keep the conversation going. Follow me here:📍 Instagram: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly⁠⁠🐦 X (Twitter): ⁠⁠@VoicesOfItaly⁠⁠🧵 Threads: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly⁠⁠🌐 Bluesky: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly.bsky.social⁠⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠⁠@VoicesOfItaly⁠📘 Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Voices of Italy⁠⁠🔗 Linktree

Being young in Italy today isn’t all cappuccino, aperitivo and Vespa rides—it’s a struggle for independence, stability, and a future. While Italy needs its youth more than ever, young Italians often feel unwanted, stuck between an unstable job market and an older generation that refuses to let go of control. In this episode of Voices of Italy: Beyond La Dolce Vita, we dive into the real challenges of being young in Italy in 2025. Why do so many young Italians live with their parents well into their 30s? Why is finding a stable job so hard? And why do so many talented young people feel they have no choice but to leave the country?But this time, you’re not just hearing it from me. I hit the streets to ask Italians themselves: what does it really mean to be young in Italy today? From job struggles to dreams of escaping abroad, you’ll hear unfiltered, real voices sharing their experiences.🎧 Tune in for an eye-opening look at the reality behind Italy’s “lost generation", and don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and leave a review. Your support helps bring more Italian stories and voices to life!Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow me here:📍 Instagram: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly⁠⁠🐦 X (Twitter): ⁠⁠@VoicesOfItaly⁠⁠🧵 Threads: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly⁠⁠🌐 Bluesky: ⁠⁠@voicesofitaly.bsky.social⁠⁠Voices of Italy is created entirely by me. The music featured in the intro is "Motif Remix" by Xylo-Ziko. The intro and outro tunes are downloaded from Pixabay, provided by the profile yourtunes under License ID 136514.