Italian Culture: Interesting Italian Traditions to Know
Italy is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. With 20 different regions, each boasting its own distinct cultures, histories, and dialects, Italian traditions celebrated around the country can get pretty creative. While some are unsurprisingly based on food, others are a bit more peculiar. When you’re learning the Italian language, understanding some of the cultural nuances that Italians enjoy can help you build a stronger connection with locals. So, whether you’re learning Italian for fun or planning to integrate into a new Italian city, here are some of the most famous Italian traditions to be aware of.
What Are Some Traditions in Italy?
Celebrating Ferragosto
One of Italy's most cherished holidays, Ferragosto, occurs every year on August 15th. Although only one day is a national bank holiday, many people celebrate this Italian tradition for weeks before. This holiday was originally established by Emperor Augustus in 18 BC as a way to celebrate the end of the agricultural year. It was a day designated for giving thanks to the God of Earth and Fertility in hopes that the following year would also be bountiful. Over the years, this interesting Italian tradition has evolved into a nationwide celebration characterized by lively gatherings, feasting, and various events. Families often escape the cities to enjoy picnics in the countryside or head to the coast for sun-soaked beach outings, making it a time of joyous reunions and relaxation.
Celebrating Carnevale
Carnevale, or Carnival, is a jubilant affair celebrated in various regions across Italy. It usually takes place in the weeks before Easter to help give everyone a chance to let loose before the start of Lent. Typically, Carnevale is filled with masquerade balls, tons of parties, and upbeat music. You’ll also find plenty of colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and high-energy locals.
From the historic streets of Venice to the lively squares of Viareggio, Carnevale offers a spectacle of dazzling entertainment and exuberant festivities. However, Venice tends to host the most famous celebrations, with parades along the Grand Canal and fireworks at Piazza San Marco.
There are Tons of Easter Traditions
Over 75% of Italians identify as catholic, so Easter is a huge deal and filled with Italian traditions. So, not only is Easter in Italy a time of profound religious significance, but it’s also intertwined with age-old customs and rituals.
Pasqua (Easter Sunday) and Pasquetta (Easter Monday or “Little Easter”) are both observed with great fervor, marked by special church services, family gatherings, and sumptuous meals featuring traditional dishes. And, on Palm Sunday, families will place olive branches and palm leaves outside their homes as a religious sentiment.
In Florence, the "Scoppio del Carro" (Explosion of the Cart) ceremony adds a dramatic flair to the festivities, as a cart laden with fireworks is ignited in front of the Duomo, symbolizing a bountiful harvest and good fortune for the year ahead. This is well-known as one of the most extreme Easter celebrations in all of Italy. Just make sure you’re prepared for the chaos!
In Rome, the Pope regularly makes an appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday, which can be quite an exciting event. To help you enjoy these festivities and more, don’t forget to brush up on your Italian verb conjugation and Italian adjectives. Still need some practice? Download Tandem today to match with a native speaker and work towards fluency.
Unfortunately, the Easter Bunny is not part of Italian traditions, but they still love to indulge in chocolate and desserts. Colomba cake is the traditional Italian dessert of Easter and is made using lots of sugar, almonds, and candied orange peels. A ricotta pie called “Pastiera” is also a common delicacy at this time.
No Friday Weddings!
Italian weddings are steeped in superstitions and age-old beliefs. One of the most interesting Italian traditions regarding weddings is the inability to host one on a Friday—unless, of course, you want your marriage to be filled with bad luck. Yes, that’s right. Italians believe it’s unlucky to get married on a Friday because, according to superstitions, Friday was created by evil spirits. For a truly prosperous and fertile wedding, getting married on a Sunday is the Italian tradition.
However, that’s not the only Italian tradition revolving around weddings. On the big day (hopefully a Sunday), brides are discouraged from looking in the mirror. This, apparently, increases their risk of misfortune. They should also make a small tear in their veil to help foster good luck, and grooms are meant to carry a piece of iron in their pockets as a symbol of strength and fidelity. And you thought Italian grammar was complicated!
If you’re attending an Italian wedding as a guest, never, ever wear white. It’s a sacred color reserved for the bride and can cause a lot of drama. Want to excel as a wedding guest? Brush up on some beautiful Italian words to compliment the bride and groom.
Italians Celebrate Christmas for a Month
In Italy, Christmas isn't just a day—it's a month-long celebration brimming with age-old traditions and festive cheer. From the enchanting melodies of carolers echoing through cobblestone streets to elaborate nativity displays adorning town squares, the spirit of Christmas permeates every corner of the country.
Christmas typically kicks off on December 8th, the Day of the Immaculate Conception. Festivities usually continue until January 6th, the Day of the Epiphany.
Christmas Eve is marked by a sumptuous feast of fish and seafood and is typically observed as a meatless occasion (yes, seafood doesn’t count as meat in this instance). Then, many families attend Midnight Mass together before heading off to sleep. The celebrations culminate in the exchange of gifts on Christmas Day, followed by indulgent feasting and merry-making with loved ones.
Don’t Forget Your Red Underwear
You’ll probably notice a ton of markets or shops selling red underwear around Christmas time, but they’re not just for the festive Christmas colors. No, red underwear is a fun Italian tradition used to help bring good luck for the new year. You’re supposed to wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day and then throw them away! This has origins in ancient Rome, but many Italian families still enjoy this fun little antic.
Eating 12 Grapes at Midnight
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, Italians partake in a quirky yet auspicious tradition of eating twelve grapes, each one symbolizing good luck for the twelve months ahead. You’re supposed to eat one grape for each time the clock bells chime right at the stroke of midnight. Those who can complete the task can expect plenty of luck and prosperity, and their wishes may even come true. To help you count along, refresh your knowledge of Italian numbers.
Out with the Old
At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, several Italians partake in a symbolic gesture of discarding the old year's troubles by tossing out old possessions. This is thought to signify a fresh start and renewed hope for the future. This ritual, known as "out with the old," is believed to usher in good fortune and blessings in the year ahead. So, watch your head if you’re out and about in a neighborhood on New Year’s Eve!
Late Dinners
In Italy, dining isn't merely a culinary experience—it's a leisurely affair meant to be savored and enjoyed in the company of loved ones. As such, it's customary for Italians to dine late, with dinner often commencing around 8 or 9 p.m. This relaxed approach to dining allows for unhurried conversations and the enjoyment of delectable cuisine, embodying the essence of Italian hospitality and conviviality. Don’t worry; lunches are also late, and you’ll quickly adjust after enjoying the socializing that comes along with Italian meals.
Never Put Cheese on Seafood!
Italian cuisine is revered worldwide for its exquisite flavors and regional specialties, but it also comes with its own set of culinary taboos. One such rule dictates that cheese should never be paired with seafood, as it's believed to clash with the delicate flavors of the seafood dishes. This steadfast culinary tradition underscores the importance of respecting the integrity of each ingredient and honoring the culinary heritage of Italy. Believe us, if you go to sprinkle some parmesan on a nice seafood pasta, you’re going to get some stares.
Want to Immerse Yourself Even More in Italian Traditions?
From the solemnity of religious festivals to the whimsy of superstitions, Italian traditions offer a captivating glimpse into the cultural tapestry of this enchanting country. Whether it's savoring the flavors of a traditional Christmas feast or partaking in quirky New Year's rituals, these age-old customs continue to enrich the lives of Italians and captivate the imaginations of visitors from around the globe. Celebrate them while speaking some Italian slang, and you’ll fit in in no time!
The key is working on building your Italian vocabulary and putting it into practice! Thankfully, Tandem is here to help you do this without having to move to Italy. Download Tandem today to connect with native speakers and practice using Italian in real, everyday conversations. With millions of members worldwide, you can match with an Italian speaker regardless of where you are. Having real-world conversations with like-minded individuals will help you build your skills, from basic Italian pronunciation to Italian verb conjugation and everything in between. Who knows, you might even make some lifelong friends along the way! All you need to do is create a profile, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. Sign up for Tandem to join our community and improve your fluency today.
