Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Yes, Italy does celebrate New Year's Eve (Capodanno in Italian). It is a joyous occasion marked with traditions, festivities, and a shared spirit of welcoming the new year.
How do Italians Celebrate New Year's Eve?
While New Year's Eve celebrations may vary slightly across regions, here are some common traditions and customs observed in Italy:
1. Cenone di Capodanno: The main event of New Year's Eve in Italy is the lavish dinner known as Cenone di Capodanno. This feast typically consists of multiple courses, including appetizers, pasta dishes, main courses (often fish or meat), and desserts. Many families gather at home to prepare and enjoy this special meal together.
2. Lentils and Zampone: Traditional dishes served during Cenone di Capodanno often include lentils and zampone. Lentils are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year, while zampone, a type of stuffed pig's trotter, is a symbol of abundance.
3. Fireworks and Noisemakers: As midnight approaches, Italian cities light up with breathtaking firework displays. People also use noisemakers, such as firecrackers and sparklers, to create a festive atmosphere and ward off evil spirits.
4. Kissing Tradition: At the stroke of midnight, it's customary for Italians to exchange kisses with loved ones, friends, and even strangers nearby, as a symbol of love, friendship, and well wishes for the coming year.
5. San Silvestro Parties: Many Italians attend San Silvestro parties on New Year's Eve. These parties are named after Saint Sylvester, whose feast day falls on December 31st. Nightclubs, restaurants, and public squares host lively parties with music, dancing, and celebrations lasting until the early hours of the new year.
6. New Year's Resolutions (Propositi per l'Anno Nuovo): Italians, like people in many cultures, make New Year's resolutions. They reflect on their past year's experiences and set goals for personal growth, achievement, and self-improvement in the coming year.
7. La Festa della Befana (Epiphany): While not directly related to New Year's Eve, La Befana, celebrated on January 6th, is another significant holiday in Italy. It is believed that a kind old witch named Befana visits children on the eve of Epiphany, leaving gifts and treats for well-behaved children and coal or sweets made of coal for those who misbehaved.
These traditions and customs create a joyous atmosphere as Italians bid farewell to the old year and embrace the new one with hope, anticipation, and a sense of renewal. New Year's Eve in Italy is a time to cherish loved ones, celebrate life, and look forward to the possibilities and blessings that the coming year may bring.