Italians ring in the New Year by filling their homes with a blend of Italian New Year traditions, festivities, and luck for the year ahead.
As the clock strikes towards midnight, millions across the globe raise a glass to welcome a prosperous New Year, and Italy is no exception. The celebrations across the regions are filled with family, games, fireworks, and of course, food.
Traditional Italian Feasting
Food undoubtedly plays a great role in an Italian New Year celebration. Every Italian New Years Eve kicks off with the “Cenone di Capodanno” (The New Years Eve feast). This feast varies from region to region, allowing each area to proudly serve their local delicacies. For example, in Naples, seafood takes pride of place, celebrating the city’s coastal heritage.
In many other regions, Italians ring in the New Year with a traditional spread of “cotechino” (a type of pork), cooked with stewed lentils. Many believe this dish symbolizes prosperity and abundance, bringing luck for the year ahead. Some say lentils look like little coins signifying wealth, and paired with the flavours of “cotechino”, it is a tradition which certainly welcomes richness to the table.
Fashion and Fortune
One of Italy’s old and unusual New Year’s traditions is wearing red underwear. A partner gifting red underwear brings luck for both love and fertility, and wearing them to welcome the New Year enhances the charm. To maximize the luck, tradition suggests throwing them away afterward! Maybe the secret to a prosperous New Year isn’t making resolutions after all… it’s what’s hiding under your outfit!
Countdown to midnight: as the clock strikes twelve
How do Italian’s celebrate at the stroke of midnight? Well, this can vary across the regions, however, if one thing is for certain, it’s no solitary affair.
As the countdown begins, family and friends gather with a glass of spumante, prepared to toast and shout “Buon anno” (Happy New Year). For many this marks the true beginning of their celebrations, with the thought of heading to bed being nowhere in sight.
A tradition originating from Spain, which some Italian families have adopted, is eating 12 grapes; one for each chime of the clock. If you manage to eat all 12 grapes, which symbolise the 12 calendar months, you will welcome good luck and prosperity for the coming year. A fun challenge to make sure you start the year with a mouthful of luck!
Like many countries across the globe, Italians ring in the New Year with fantastic firework displays that light up the night sky. Traditionally believed to scare away the bad spirits, the bright bursts of colour fill the air as the clock strikes midnight.
For cities like Rome and Milan, fireworks are an essential part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Watching the fireworks light up above the ancient ruins and Colosseum must truly be an authentic Italian experience. In Naples, firecrackers called “botti” are set off in the middle of the streets. While some areas have banned these due to safety concerns, many still ignite them in the middle of crowds. Be prepared for the noise, and don’t forget to pack your earplugs!
Post-midnight festivities
As the night progresses into the early hours, the streets come alive with music and entertainment. In many cities the main piazzas, for example Piazza del Duomo in Milan, become epicentres of celebration. With live music and a mix of people from around the world, it’s the perfect opportunity to dance the night away.
Many families ring in the New Year hidden away from the crazy festivities in a more intimate setting. They spend their time singing and eating, celebrating until the sun rises. It is also a common tradition to pass the hours by playing games, such as “la tombola”. Many family gatherings are filled with lots of laughter, and beginning a New Year creating memories together is something special.
With a true blend of ancient traditions to modern celebrations, Italians ring in the New Year with joy, community and festive cheer. This makes the arrival of a brand-new year memorable and exciting.
Buon anno a tutti!
