Traditions and everyday life in ItalyFestivals, family customs, favourite places and everyday traditions, written by members of Global Penfriends who live in Italy. Each cultural keepsake is a short note about life where they are.
83 keepsakes from Italy · page 1 of 3
The Simplon Pass is a mountain pass located at 2,005 meters (6,578 feet) above sea level, connecting the Canton Valais in Switzerland to my hometown of Domodossola in Italy. Its origins date back to Roman times, when Emperor…
Shared by Lucien Dorleans
The feast of S. Antonio Abate in Monterotondo is organized by the local Pious Union, which was made official with the first Statute in the year 1890, by willing and Christian men and all those who have taken into custody the…
Shared by SpiritoAffine
Rome has always been famous for its myths and legends, one of them is that of the "talking statues." The most famous is Pasquino, along with Marforio, Madama Lucrezia, Abbot Luigi, the Porter and the Baboon, was part of the…
Shared by Maybetomorrow
In Italy we study a lot ever since Primary school. When we finish Middle School we have to choose among three types of High School on account of how much we are willing to study. There are Istituto Professionale, Istituto Tecnico…
Shared by Virgish
The "Magic Turin," as named by scholars, has its roots in the blend of traditions and events that unfolded over the centuries. Founded by Roman emperor Augustus, Turin is divided into an East zone, symbolizing light, and a West…
Shared by nokia3310enjoyer
fischietti di Rutigliano. You’ve probably never heard of it. Rutigliano is a village near Bari in Puglia that has always been a village devoted to pottery; its name derives from “Rutilius”, the reddish color of the local clay. It…
Shared by Jack87
Padua (Padova) is a historic city in northern Italy, located in the Veneto region, known for its rich cultural heritage, prestigious university, and stunning architecture. It is one of the oldest cities in Italy and it offers a…
Shared by Giorpi
If you come to Rome, you absolutely must visit and don't miss it! It's a treasure not too far from Rome. It's a huge lake, and the reason I chose this spot is because it's so peaceful. You can rent a "pedalò," a kind of boat, but…
Shared by nxst4lgica
One Italian tradition that I remember fondly is visiting the Bocca della Verità (the Mouth of Truth) in Rome. It’s a famous ancient stone mask with an open mouth, and according to legend, it bites the hand of anyone who tells a…
Shared by Tati88
The Altare della Patria in Rome is this massive, super-white marble monument built to honor Victor Emmanuel II, Italy’s first king, and celebrate the country’s unification. It’s right in Piazza Venezia and honestly hard to…
Shared by Zaanitram
A fun fact: "Miserere Mei, Deus" composed by Gregorio Allegri was a piece reserved only to be performed inside the Sistine Chapel in Rome and it was illegal to transcribe the song or try to recreate it anywhere outside the…
Shared by ImmortalBeloved
In the summer, we celebrate the city's patron saint as we did in 1182. This festival, which lasts over a week, is called the "Palio dell'Assunta." Typical dishes of the time are eaten, and the 10 contrade, which would be the…
Shared by Leila16
The circuit of Imola has been for a lot of years one of the most important places for motorsport in Italy, used to host event such as Formula 1 and now hosts superbike and GT/WEC competitions, even though Imola is not as famous…
Shared by Tonnux
In the city of siena, ther is a sporting event calld "the palio",its essentially an horse race,wher the horses have to run around the central square. the interesting part about it is that this event is extremely important for the…
Shared by Alessandro Fiaschi
This place in Venice is an odd building that was built by a grieving family to remember their daughter. Its windows have a funny shape and Venetians call them "Tre Oci", which means three eyes! Looking out from them, you can…
Shared by Telere
On the last sunday of july my town celebrates Saint Andrew The protector of fishermen, all of the fishing boats in town line up in the sea for a parade, then during the night there is a fair along the river front with plenty of…
Shared by Oblio
Here in Italy we are constantly surrounded by history, especially the one narrated by art. A lot of artists we study came to Italy at a certain point of their life or were born here, and left us with amazing pieces of art that…
Shared by callme_kira
A walk in the Parco degli Acquedotti (park of the aqueducts), an urban park where you can find 6 different Roman aqueducts, and one from the 14th century, both above ground and underground. The oldest, Aqueduct Anio Vetus, dates…
Shared by Yelettra Piquet
Homecoming is a Texas fall tradition to welcome back students to school and for it we make mums! Traditionally they are made from chrysanthemum flowers hence the name "Mums). We decorate them with ribbon, bells, and trinkets that…
Shared by BismuthPython
every year in my country we celebrate the arrival of the grape season. The preparations are the best part, everyone prepares the decorated floats and traditional clothes until late. on the day of the festival we get on the floats…
Shared by ventodelnord
My city overlooks the sea, so observing / contemplating this element is something not everyone remembers doing. There are few people who go to the seaside or simply sit on a bench observing "The world" to get their ideas or…
Shared by Konpeki
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful and romantic places I know. The mountains reflect in its deep blue waters, and every little town around it feels like a postcard. Walking along its shores or taking a boat ride, you can feel…
Shared by gr3gre
Yes, it is true, we move hands and body to strenghten a statement or make a joke and have fun. So anyone that want to truly understand Italian Speaking must also learn the right moves. Just remember to learn not to overdo, or it…
Shared by Plastic&Paint_addicted
The "Palio dei Borghi" is a celebration which usually takes place in the second week of june in Fossano. The seven Boroughs parade through the historical streets in renaissance's costumes. The Boroughs fight participating to a…
Shared by starboi175
I spent a wonderful hiking day in Portofino(in the Ligurian sea) with a fantastic group of hikers. Look at the wonder of places; this is a panoramic tour suitable for everyone and with final beach bath! Very nice the village of…
Shared by Claudia87
Every February, sometimes it comes in March, In Venice we celebrate Carnival for fifteen days. During the first week nothing special happens but on the second week people walks along the streets in beautiful historical or fantasy…
Shared by Daniela1956
These 3 images fully represent the historic heart of Palermo: on the upper left, the interior of the Teatro Massimo is depicted; on the upper right, there's a glimpse of the 4 Canti, where the dome can be glimpsed; and at the…
Shared by siq
The "Siaggia Rosa" (Pink Beach) is a beach located in Cala di Roto, south of Budelli Island; it's included in the Archipelago of La Maddalena (North-East Sardinia). It has its name for the characteristic coral pink color of the…
Shared by Giammi
Every year, during the religious festivals of the patron saints of each town, citizens wear traditional clothes that were used in the past, adorned with precious jewelry, to parade through the streets of the town. It’s beautiful…
Shared by Marth
in many Italian cities (especially in the villages) these historical re-enactments are held. I participated many years in the "palio di san floriano" a re-enactment set in the Middle Ages, I was the judge of the taverns but there…
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