Three Things in Italy You Don't Find in the US

August 10, 2015

Ciao tutti! Hello everyone! Have you ever wondered what it is about Italy that so very many people fall in love the country and culture? The US is a good place to live, the leader of the free world, and the land of the American Dream. Why are we so infatuated with Italy?

Of course most people love the food. Yes, half of all the Art in the world is in Italy. Yes the people are beautiful. So what is it?

  • La passagiata: It is the family evening stroll. I first experienced this in Sorrento. We were sipping a caffe’ along the main street and saw a parade of families, dressed quite well, strolling along the boulevard. Family groups included Nonni, (grandparents), parents and ragazzi, children. I loved watching these groups interact, show off their good looking families and getting a bit of exercise before dinner. The children were the center of the Universe as always in Italy. La passagiata occurs every single night. This is part of their family time. And it is not something that only happens in small towns. I have witnessed and participated in La passagiata in Rome and in Florence. It is part of the heart and soul of the Italian citizens.
  • La Festa (Festival)is another thing that we in the USA do not have with such flourish. Every single region of Italy offers festivals all year long. Piedmonte has a festival of the Oranges—it is an orange fight in the streets in the middle of winter. There are Jazz festivals, Art festivals, Music and Theatre festivals. The USA has those too.
Family in Canada
  • But Italy has flower festivals where the streets are lined with intricate, temporary floral art that will be walked on. The Palio (bare back horse race) of Siena is famous. (Other towns feature their own Palio.) Besides the race you will experience the pride of each neighborhood as they dress in their traditional, antique garb, parade through the streets and have flag throwing contests. I have never seen anything like this in America. My personal favorite is the celebration of St. John the Baptist’s Day in Florence with its accompanying parade and the game of Calcio (The first type of Soccer). Players dress in renaissance sport costumes and fight for the ball. It is quite physical and beautiful and fun.
  • I treni: the fast trains of Italy are far superior to what the United States offers. First class has hosts who bring papers and snacks to your comfortable seats. The coach class has similar seating but is more fun! Families bring their own snacks and share with others. It is a true Italian experience.
  • There are still slower, local trains. I use them when I have lots of time and am going to a smaller town off the beaten path. I actually rode a regional train from the heel of the boot in Puglia to the toe in Calabria. The view was incredible as we rode right next to the ocean for most of the way. And the cost was minimal.

When you choose to visit Italy, remember these differences.

Family in Canada
  • The passagiata is worth a look and a walk.
  • Catching la Festa will make your trip more fulfilling.
  • Don’t be afraid of taking the train. It is a great experience.
  • We at TakeMeHomeItaly.comcan help you organize your Italian Adventure so that you can experience all these things. I would love to help you.

Ciao for now!

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