A New Coffee Tradition with an Italian Heart
Today, April 21, is a very special day… because for the very first time, we celebrate Global Moka Pot Day around the world.
This beautiful new tradition was officially launched this year—an initiative promoted by the Comitato italiano del caffè di Unione Italiana Food—and it couldn’t have found a more perfect moment. It coincides with the World Creativity and Innovation Day and the opening of the Milano Design Week 2026, celebrating what I truly feel is something magical: the deep connection between the moka pot and Italian creativity, design, and everyday life.
The story of the moka begins in 1933 with Alfonso Bialetti, the brilliant Italian engineer who forever changed how coffee could be enjoyed at home. Inspired by pressure-based systems, he created a simple yet revolutionary stovetop coffee maker that would soon become a symbol of Italian culture.
From that moment on, the moka pot found its way into millions of homes. It became part of daily life—the gentle bubbling sound in the morning, the rich aroma filling the kitchen, the quiet pause before the world begins to move. For many of us, it’s also deeply emotional, tied to family memories and shared moments.
And there’s something else that makes the moka so incredibly special… it’s the way it invites you to slow down.
Unlike an espresso machine—fast, precise, almost instant—the moka is a little ritual. You fill it with water, add the coffee, gently screw it closed… and then you wait. You listen. That soft, familiar bubbling sound becomes part of the moment. It’s not just about making coffee—it’s about being there while it happens.
For us Italians, it’s almost romantic. It’s the quiet pause in the morning, the scent that fills the house, the unspoken “good morning” shared in the kitchen. It’s not rushed, not automated… it’s personal.
Because with the moka, you don’t just make coffee… you live it.
Today, there are many brands producing beautiful moka pots, each with its own style and personality. But I must admit, two names always hold a special place in my heart: Bialetti and Alessi.
Bialetti remains the timeless classic—the original design that feels like home, with its iconic silhouette and unmistakable charm. Alessi, on the other hand, transforms the moka into a piece of art—modern, elegant, and perfect for those who love design as much as coffee.
And then comes one of my favorite moments… choosing one! Whether it’s for a gift or simply to treat myself, there’s always that delightful sense of indecision. So many beautiful options, so many styles—it’s impossible not to fall in love with more than one.
I have to confess… whenever I’m in Italy, I love stopping by SME—a place where you can truly find anything… and more! I always go in “just to look”… and somehow leave with much more—LOL! It makes it even more special knowing they also sponsor the Christmas decorations for my concerts here in Italy.
In my hometown of Portogruaro, the director, Alessandro Zulianello, is a dear friend, and the whole team is always so kind and helpful… so they’re never surprised when I walk in, take photos and videos, and end up shopping for all my travelers!
One of my favorite finds? A special Bialetti moka dedicated to the Alpini—the historic Italian mountain troops, famous for their courage and iconic feathered hat. I loved it so much that it became the perfect gift for the wonderful fans and friends who joined me last year on my trip to Italy… a little piece of tradition, full of meaning.
And here’s a little secret we Italians will always stand by… it’s not just the coffee beans that matter for a great espresso—it’s the water too. And if you ask a Neapolitan, they’ll tell you this with absolute conviction! In fact, some swear by it so much that if they live in a nearby city, they’ll even bring water from Naples just to make their coffee with the moka… if they can. That’s how serious it gets!
And one last golden rule: never wash your moka with soap. Ever. It may sound funny, but soap can alter the flavor over time. Just rinse it with water… and let the coffee do the rest.
And speaking of creativity… one of the most original uses of a moka I’ve ever seen was in Nashville, at the wonderful restaurant Luogo. The chef, Riccardo Orfino—from Castelfranco Veneto, very close to where I was born—serves a delicious tiramisù inside a moka pot!
And the funny thing? Most people probably don’t even realize it’s a coffee maker… they just think it’s a very original big cup—LOL! At least, that’s what my friends thought when they took me there and said, “Wait until you see the cup they serve their tiramisù in!”
So here we are, celebrating this new tradition together for the very first time. On this Global Moka Day, take a moment to enjoy the ritual. Brew your coffee, breathe in that familiar aroma, and remember that sometimes, the simplest things are the most meaningful.
Because happiness… can truly come from a small pot.
Buona Giornata Internazionale della Moka!
Love,
Giada
About Giada Valenti
Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy. She is best known in the United States for her PBS music special From Venice with Love, which aired nationally in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019. Another highlight was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him, at a concert benefitting his foundation. Her albums include And I Love You So, Italian Signorina, My Lullaby, and From Venice with Love. Giada is also a Tiramisu expert and has done cooking demos on television shows around the country making the famous Italian dessert. Giada has also been a co-host for several years for the Columbus Day Parade on ABC7 in New York.