Have you ever come across the Italian saying “Natale con i tuoi, Capodanno con chi vuoi“? This expression, which translated means “Christmas with your loved ones, New Year with whoever you want“, reveals the importance of family in Italian culture.
The popular saying highlights the importance of the family nucleus during Christmas festivities, while granting freedom of choice for New Year celebrations. At Christmas, families come together to celebrate a significant occasion, while at New Year's Eve people have the flexibility to choose who they want to share the festive moment with.
Similar to Brazil, New Year in Italy, known as New Year, is a celebration permeated by a mix of ancient traditions, culinary delights (after all, we are in Italy) and effusive celebrations. This is a period marked by festivities and renewal, in which people come together to welcome the arrival of the new year.
New Year traditions in Italy
Among the New Year traditions in Italy, some include:
Consumption of lentils at the turn of the year
New Year's dinner, with dishes such as lentils with cotechino, is considered an omen of prosperity and abundance for the months to come. Lentils, because they resemble coins, are especially associated with economic luck.
Fireworks and drums
In many Italian cities, fireworks light up the sky at midnight, while in some regions, especially in the south, drums are played to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck.
Wearing yellow or red clothes on New Year's Eve
Wearing red underwear is a common practice on New Year's Eve in Italy, as red symbolizes passion and luck. Some regions, such as Campania, also attach importance to the color yellow, associated with prosperity and wealth.
Kiss at midnight
Kissing someone at midnight is considered a symbol of good luck for the new year.
Midnight Toast
The sparkling wine toast at midnight is a highlight of the celebrations, representing joy, hope and the ancient tradition of sharing happy moments and creating unforgettable memories for the new year.
Walk before lunch
Many Italian families start the New Year with a light walk, symbolizing a fresh start and a positive journey into the year.
Throwing objects from the balcony
In some cities, such as Naples, it is traditional to throw unwanted objects from balconies at midnight, symbolizing the desire to get rid of the old to make room for the new.
Diving in the river Tiber
In Rome, there is a traditional ritual of greeting the new year with a dip in the Tiber River, which is no easy task, as we are in the midst of harsh winter.
Parties and events
The biggest New Year's celebrations in Italy take place in major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Naples. These events typically include music, dancing, fireworks, and other attractions.
In Rome, Campidoglio Square hosts the traditional New Year's Eve party, which includes a live concert, fireworks and the presence of prominent political figures.
In Milan, Piazza del Duomo is the site of the New Year's Eve party, comprising a live concert and fireworks.
In Naples, the Castel dell'Ovo is the setting for the New Year's Eve celebration, which includes a live concert, fireworks, and a performance of traditional Neapolitan music.
In addition to celebrations in big cities, there are also New Year festivities in smaller towns and villages, which are often more intimate and familiar.
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