If you ask any person what he knows about Italy, the first one will most likely be the mention of the unusual shape of the peninsula in the form of a boot. Then I remember loud conversations with gestures. And of course, the bright actors from the movie "The Taming of the Shrew." What do you know about Italy?
Holidays in Italy
Italy is not just a country of hot sun, siesta and bright unusual people. This is the birthplace of many talented people: Dante, Verdi, Visconti, Bellucci, Armani. Italians are people who every day can turn into a high-profile event.
There is a law that in each region there should be a certain number of national, state, regional and city holidays. The number of days off should not exceed fourteen calendar days, of which nine are state and only two are regional.
Despite such a framework, holidays are held daily in every city, town or town. Italians are faithful Catholics and honor the days of memory of all saints. At this time, on the streets you can see small processions, in the middle of which they necessarily carry a stretcher with the relics of a revered saint.
National events
Although Italians love big and noisy companies, the national holidays of Italy are only a few days a year. These days are officially declared days off. Throughout the country, noise and din are heard, and mass festivities in the central squares give an unforgettable experience.
What holidays in Italy are called national?
- New Year (celebrated from December 31 to January 1);
- Epiphany (January 6);
- Easter (date changes annually);
- Easter Monday;
- Christmas (December 25);
- All Saints Day (November 1).
Official festive days
A rich historical past has formed a number of days, which every Italian is obliged to note. Public holidays in Italy are celebrated on a grand scale, recalling the names of those who are directly related to them.
- Day of liberation from the Nazi troops (April 25).
- Labor Day (May 1).
- Day of the Italian Republic (June 2).
How to celebrate the New Year holidays in Italy?
Residents of Italy start the New Year from December 31. As expected, this evening the tables are full of all kinds of dishes, and the houses are full of enthusiasm and fun. New Year for Italians is a massive celebration that must be held in a large company.
New Year's days are days off. All drinking establishments, shops, state institutions are closed. Do not be surprised at the large number of people on the streets. Carnivals, fun games and competitions are held right in the squares and streets.
January 6, at Christmas, Italians celebrate the Epiphany. Zealous Catholics, residents of the country demonstrate scenes from the Bible. Such miniatures tell about how little Jesus was born. The patroness of this holiday and its protector is the witch Befan or Stephen. She brings small souvenirs, recalling that the kings who came to visit Jesus presented him with gifts.
New Year holidays in Italy are celebrated on a grand scale. Fun, noisy companies and a large number of positive emotions should set the tone for the whole new year.
Unusual days
In addition to the days well known to everyone, each nation has many holidays that speak of its originality and traditionally local activities related to agriculture, folk crafts, which helped people survive for more than one century.
So, locals can brag of the Young Wine Festival. In Italy, it is celebrated in early November. Only after this day and until the end of December, winemakers can offer wines of a new crop to the court of connoisseurs of a great drink.
The official opening date of the new wine tasting season is called November 11th. Wine saved, or St. Martin's Day. From this moment, everyone can taste wine in small cellars and restaurants.
Young wine, or Novello - dry red wine with berry notes that are produced from Cabernet, Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, becomes the main attraction in Italy's Young Wine Festival. Its worth a try!
What are the special days in Italy?
Many holidays in Italy have become world heritage. If in the Middle Ages these days were known only at the regional level, the country's maximum, then in order to admire the unusual action today, tourists from all over the world come.
Siena Horse Racing
This interesting event is celebrated twice a year - July 2 and August 16. In a historic town called Siena, horse racing without a harness is organized in the central square. Ten riders out of ten contrasts with historical names (Eagle, Snail, Dragon, Forest, etc.) should ride three circles of 333 meters. Whose horse comes first, he won.
But the winding streets with sharp turns are very insidious. Frisky horses strive to throw the rider from the back. The one whose horse comes without a rider is considered a loser, and glory and honor are ensured to a fast horse. And most importantly - a delicious reward.
Lantern Festival in Florence
Every year on September 6-7, on the eve of the Nativity of the Virgin, masses of pilgrims, merchants and tourists flock to Florence. Here, in the morning, a goods fair is held, and in the evening, along the empty streets from the Santa Croce Basilica to Santissima Annuciata Square, led by a cardinal, a colorful procession with colored lanterns with candles inside takes place.
This tradition appeared in the 17th century and has survived to this day. One of the reasons for its inception is considered to be the desire of merchants, by winter selling their harvest, to save up money. And according to another version, it was invented to honor the patroness of Florence - Our Lady.
Traditions
The Italians are devout, deeply religious people. National holidays in Italy are associated with respect and respect for the inhabitants of the country to the patron saints. What began as an opportunity to sell your product, to respect with the attention and gifts of loved ones, has become the property of the people.
If you manage to get to Italy during the celebration of any important date, join us! Italians love big feasts, treat a lot and tasty. And most importantly - such active and good-natured people still need to be looked for.
But there are small nuances that are worth remembering when going on vacation.
- Christmas is a family holiday. In Italy, it is customary to spend New Year and Christmas days with your family.
- Easter is a time of festivities, outdoor games, picnics. On Easter Monday (mandatory day off), all Italians go on a picnic out of town.
- On Liberation Day, those who took part in the war against Nazi Germany are remembered. Reconstructions of those events, holiday marathons, concerts and parades are traditional.
- For Italians, all the holidays, memorable dates and days of memory of all saints, especially the patrons of cities, are important.