Italian culture traditions and customs. Surviving Roman daily life and Italian culture in Italy:
Italy is really many different nations in one and has in fact been a unified nation for a shorter period than most "New World" colonies. These articles provide interesting insight into Italian culture traditions and customs...
Italian culture: Identity
The Italians identify first with their village, this is known as "Campanilismo" - that area visible from the bell tower of the church in their village. "Campanile" meaning bell tower.
But first and foremost Italians give priority to themselves, then their families, the village, province, region, and finally the country.
Italian culture traditions: The Italy food culture
The principle reason why many visit Italy is for the food. And who can blame them! The dining has to be among the best, if not the best, in the world.
Italian Breakfast: Many a tourist has walked tummy grumbling out of their hotels in the morning. Italians are not big on the "most important meal of the day". Breakfast in Italy is usually a croissant and an espresso.
Lunch and Supper: (Tea and dinner) The menu is usually the same for both and depending where you are in Italy the main meal could be either lunch or supper.
Meals are made up of "antipasto" - starters, then "primo" - a pasta or rice dish, "secondo" - the main meal, usually white or red meat. (Remember vegetables, fries and salads must be ordered separately.) After that comes cheeses, breads and salami and /or other cured meats. Lastly is "dolce" - sweets, which can be desserts or fruits. And finally an espresso (not a Cappuccino) or a liqueur (like Amaretto).
Table etiquette: As in most countries you start with the outside cutlery and move your way in after each course. Napkins are on the right and bread will be on the left.
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Italian culture traditions: Festivals
The Italy food culture is celebrated by what can only be described as diet busting Italian food festivals. Bring it on.
Most food festivals, or should I rather say, more food festivals happen in Summer. In Rome and Lazio (amongst others):
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Italian culture traditions: The Italian lover
Apparently all is not well with the famed Italian lover. If television is to be believed Italian males are having trouble finding their customary 2 partners - the faithful wife that keeps house like Mama does, and the whore-lover who fulfills the needs of the libido.
Having to fulfill their needs in a society moving towards equality is an ever increasing challenge.
Another spanner in the works is that many Italian males (again, if television is to be believed) are suffering from an inferiority complex relating to the size of their equipment. Apparently Rocco Siffredi has created havoc for the average Italian who now believes his abilities to be short of the Italian median.
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Italian culture traditions: Italian religion
Almost all Italians are baptized but perhaps only 40% are practicing Catholics. About 85% of Italian Religion is accounted for by the Catholic faith. The remainder of Italian religion is made up of Muslims, Protestants, Jehovah's witnesses, Jews and Buddhists. Freedom of worship is written into the Italian Constitution.
The Roman Pantheon was the first building in Italy (and perhaps in the whole world?) dedicated to the people of Rome to freely practice their religion/spirituality.
Italian culture traditions: Carnivals and celebrated holidays in Italy
There are many celebrated holidays in Italy separate from the National holidays in Italy. In the ancient Roman Empire at one stage there were 182 celebrated holidays in Italy and Rome!
Today in the smaller towns of Italy you can find the most colorful carnivals.
Find insightful comments from visitors who have toured or lived in Rome and Italy at Italian culture traditions and customs.
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