December 8 holidays in Italy. Italian holidays. February - Meeting of the Lord

The main cultural events of Italy in 2018 - a detailed overview for tourists.

The Italians say that every day is a holiday for them. If not throughout the country, then in some town the day of their local saint is necessarily celebrated, on a grand scale, with a procession, with a carnival! On the pages of the Calendar, talking about the holidays of Italy, we will try to join the people related to the Russians in terms of celebrations and add more reasons for ourselves to relax. We will try to celebrate Italian holidays, not only as we do, but also as the Italians do, and even better than the Italians themselves!

National holidays

Winter holidays in Italy

December 8 - Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

One of the main feasts of the Mother of God is the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, whose cult is very popular in Catholicism.

The version about the conception without sin of Mary by her mother Anna was not in the ancient church tradition. It was officially enshrined in the dogma of Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1954. According to Catholic doctrine, the chosen one of the heavenly father was pure and holy from birth. In churches on this day, solemn services are performed.

December 25 - Catholic Christmas

For many centuries, the Romans have adhered to the custom of giving gifts to each other at Christmas and New Year, believing that receiving numerous gifts on these days will make them happier and richer.

By the way, gifts for children in Italy are brought not by Santa Claus or even Santa Claus, but by Babbo Natale. What is interesting - on January 6, on the holiday of Epiphany - Italian kids have a chance to receive gifts again - from an unsympathetic old woman named Befana, who goes down the chimney on a broomstick.

December 26 - St. Stephen's Day

On this day, in the Italian city of Putignano, famous for its parade of papier-mâché dolls, the carnival begins, which is the longest and oldest carnival in the world. The carnival begins on December 26 and ends on the last day of Maslenitsa.

January 1 - New Year

This holiday is celebrated in different countries differently, but everywhere he is loved and expected. The year begins with a solemn festive procession with candles in the Catacombs of St. Priscilla - this is how the memory of the persecuted first Christian martyrs buried here is honored. The old tradition of throwing unnecessary things out of the window is almost never used anymore, but wearing red underwear this evening is a holy tradition , brings good luck! A traditional New Year's dish is a pork leg with lentils (zampone e lenticchie) or lentils with pork sausage for boiling, the so-called kotekino (lenticchie e cotechino). It is believed that eating lentils on New Year's Eve - to wealth.

January 6 - Epiphany (l "Epifania)

Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord (l "Epifania) - January 6, the revival of the official holiday is associated with the decree of the President of the Republic 28/12/1985 No. 792. A fabulous festival atmosphere reigns in Italian cities. The symbol of this holiday is the good witch Befana. The image of Befana is very ancient , it has existed since pre-Christian times, although the tradition itself is purely Christian: Befana brings gifts to children in memory of those gifts that the Magi brought to baby Jesus.

According to legend, on this night, a good witch descends on her broom into the house through a pipe, and leaves presents for children in their stockings. Obedient and good - sweets, candles, sweets, and naughty - black coals. These embers are made from colored sugar. They are sweet, but they really look like embers. These "gifts" are sold in many stores.

In Rome, on January 6, a one-day Epiphany fair is held, where sweets and souvenirs are sold, a festive camp is set up in the city center, and in Venice, a costumed boat procession is held along the city canals.

January 17 - St. Antonio's Day

Saint Anthony became famous for being one of the first to try the ascetic life in the desert, being completely cut off from civilization. Therefore, he is rightly considered the founder of monasticism, a new spiritual movement of that time.

January 21 - St. Inessa's Day

In Italy, they celebrate a holiday associated with animals - the day of St. Inessa. In the church of Sant Agnese fuori le Mura (Saint Inessa outside the city walls, Sant "Agnese fuori le Mura"), two sheep are blessed and sheared, and a cloak made from their wool is presented to the Pope himself.

February 2 - Meeting of the Lord

Candlemas (La Candelora) is a holiday that reminds us of the rite of purification that the Virgin Mary underwent after she gave birth to the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses. Indeed, it was believed that every mother who gave birth to a male baby was considered "impure" for 7 days, and for another 33 days she could not participate in any form or type of cult.

Today this holiday has the meaning of the end of winter. The Italians even have a proverb "Candelora dell" inverno semo fora ", which means that winter ends with the advent of the Candlemas, but it has a continuation of" Ma se piove e tira vento, dell "inverno semo drento", that is, if for this holiday the weather is bad, then winter will last at least another month.

The Candlemas is also connected with the agrarian celebrations of the beginning of spring, so there is a tradition (not very common in Italy, but common in other European countries, such as France) to prepare special dishes and offer them to fairies or nature in general.

February is the month of carnivals

Spring holidays in Italy

March 8 - International Women's Day

International Women's Day (giorno delle Donne) - March 8, unlike in Russia, is not a public holiday and is not too loved by Italian women. Their motives are clear: “why is one day a year we are loved, endowed with attention, we are considered special and wonderful? Why doesn't this happen all year long?

March 19 - Feast of St. Giuseppe (Father's Day)

The Feast of St. Giuseppe (Festa di S. Giuseppe), protector of the poor and disadvantaged, girls and carpenters is a religious version of the more secular "Feast of the Father" (Festa del Papa), both held on March 19th. On this day, two feelings are the main ones: hospitality and family love.

The day of St. Giuseppe is celebrated in different regions of Italy, where a special feast is sure to take place. For example, in Sicily, on March 19 of each year, it is customary to invite the poor to a kind of banquet in honor of the day of St. Giuseppe. The priest consecrated the dishes and the poor ate, and the owner of the house himself served them.

March 21 - Tree Day

It has long been celebrated in Italy as a holiday of renewal and unity of man with nature.

Every year in Italy, Tree Day brings together a large number of people. Together, adults and children demonstrate the readiness and right to live in a favorable environment. Volunteers from all over the country meet to plant the back streets of their city, parks, squares and gardens, thus showing love and respect for nature.

April 1 - April Fool's Day (April Fool's Day)

"April Fool's Fish" (pesce d "aprile), this is how Italy calls this international holiday, which is also in France (Poisson d" Avril), and in Germany (Aprilscherz), and in many English-speaking countries (April fool "s day ), even in India (Huli, March 31) and Mexico (El Dia de los Innocentes, very similar to April Fools, but celebrated on December 28). jokes towards others.

Catholic Easter

The biggest spring holiday in Italy, the pinnacle of the Catholic liturgical year is Easter. Its date is mobile, changing from year to year, determined by the phase of the moon and the position of the sun.

In addition to traditional prayers, it is customary in Italy to arrange theatrical performances about the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Christ. The participation of people in such performances makes it possible to personally join the great deeds and the great loss for all mankind.

Easter is a very “delicious” holiday, usually the tables on this day are full of luxurious dishes, magnificent smells are carried around the houses and around, but again, completely different dishes are prepared for Easter in different regions of Italy, for example, in Campania - a sweet dish , called the Neapolitan flatbread, in Emilia Romagna - Bolognese green lasagna, in Friuli - a sweet dish with the interesting name "Triestine Easter claw", and in Lazio (Lazio) Easter is not complete without such a second dishes like Roast Lamb with Offal.

April 21 - Founding of Rome

Foundation of Rome (Natale di Roma) - April 21, a civil holiday that is not a public holiday. According to tradition, Rome was founded by Romulus on the 11th calendar of May (April 21st), 753 BC.

The gates of the city are symbolically opened so that tourists and people from all over the world can enter them.

Since 2004, the "Goddess of Rome" competition has been held, in which contestants from 18 to 30 years old who live in Italy or countries that were once part of the Roman Empire can participate. Girls should try to embody the ideal of Roman female beauty and spiritual qualities.

The winner will receive as a prize the opportunity to walk at the head of the Historical Cortege, which traditionally includes many Italians and foreigners dressed as Romans.

April 25 - Day of Liberation from Fascism

Day of liberation from fascism and German occupation is a national holiday in Italy.

On April 25, 1943, the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini fled Milan, and a new era began in the history of the country - the movement of armed resistance and the struggle for democracy. In 1945, a general strike and armed uprising broke out in German-occupied Northern Italy. Partisans and rebels in bloody battles liberated hundreds of cities in Northern and Central Italy even before the arrival of the Allied troops.

May 1 - Labor Day (Labor Day)

May Day celebrations originate on July 20, 1889 in Paris; Initially, the workers wanted to come out en masse for the introduction of an 8-hour day and better working conditions. The decision to take to the streets on May 1 was symbolic, because it was on May 1, 1886, 3 years before, that a demonstration of workers took place in Chicago, which was brutally suppressed. What is happening now in Italy on May 1?

If the Italians do not participate in parades, then they sing serenades under the windows of their chosen ones. In addition, on the eve of May 1, a young man should put a green branch at the entrance to his beloved's house. This is a symbolic form of offering to marry him. If the girl agrees, she takes the branch; if not, she throws it on the road.

May 13 - Mother's Day

On this day, all the children of Italy bring flowers, sweets, small gifts to their mothers to once again express their love and gratitude to them.

This holiday has a great history. It was during this period of the year that the ancient Greeks and Romans honored the Goddess of Fertility. And indeed, when, if not at the beginning of May, nature explodes with flowers, aromas, joy that spreads with the first warm spring breeze?

May 17 - Catholic Ascension of the Lord

As in all traditionally Catholic countries, Ascension (l "Ascensione) is a big holiday in Italy.

It was traditionally celebrated on the 39th day after Easter, on Thursday, but since 1977 in Italy it has been celebrated on the 42nd day after Easter (otherwise, the 6th Sunday after Easter).

Summer holidays in Italy

June 2 - Proclamation of the Republic of Italy

Italians remember the important events that took place in 1946, because this day can be considered the birth of the Italian Republic.

Usually military parades are held in large cities on this day. In Rome, along the Avenue of the Imperial Forums from the Colosseum to the foot of the Capitol, festive columns, consisting of representatives of all military branches, pass. In the sky over the center of Rome, the latest Eurofighter fighters fly, spraying the colors of the national flag of Italy in the air.

July 25 - St. Giacomo's Day

Saint Giacomo's Day (S. Giacomo) - July 25, is not a public holiday, as it has been canceled. However, in some areas and cities they continue to celebrate St. Giacomo's day, paying tribute to the tradition.

August 11 - Saint Lawrence Day

Saint Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of ancient Rome who were subjected to excruciating torture and religious persecution by order of the Roman emperor Valerian in 258. During his reign, it was forbidden to organize meetings and meetings of Christian believers, as well as to show disrespect for the rites and traditions of the pagans. Numerous priests and bishops were sentenced to death, while Christians associated with the nobility or parliament were deprived of their property and expelled.

August 15 - Ferragosto

Very interesting holiday Italians celebrate August 15 - the Assumption of the Virgin or the Assumption (Assunzione), which ends the season of great summer work. Elements of Christianity and paganism merged in the rites of this day.

The second name of this holiday is Ferragosto. The origin of this name is as follows: the ancient Roman inhabitants solemnly celebrated the end of the harvest with the feast of consualia, dedicated to the ancient Italian god of land and crops - Consus. In pre-imperial Rome, when the year began in March and consisted of 10 months (January and February were absent), the consulars took place in the 6th month.

In modern Italy, young people celebrate August 15 by lighting a fire on the beach and arranging gatherings all night. There are also fireworks.

At the time of Ferragosto, Italy seems to be dying out, leaving only tourists in the cities. Factories and production are closed, local residents, as a rule, take vacations and go to the sea or to the mountains.

August 24 - St. Bartholomew's Day

St. Bartholomew's Day (S. Bartolomeo) - August 24, is not a public holiday, is celebrated on the Sunday closest to the date. Saint Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The history of his life contains many inaccuracies and is interspersed with numerous legendary events. His real name is Nathaniel, and he received the name Bartholomew as an adult. According to other sources, his name was Jesus and he was forced to take a different name, according to the unwritten law of Syria.

Autumn holidays in Italy

September 7 - Piedigrotta in Italy

As you know, Naples is considered the musical capital of Italy. And it is in this wonderful city that on the night of September 7-8, a holiday-competition for the best lyrical song, known as Piedigrotta, takes place.

The origin and development of this holiday is quite interesting. Not far from Naples, in the cave of Piedigrotta, in ancient times there was a temple of pagan origin, and religious cults were performed by dancing priestesses.

Later, another one, already of a Christian nature, was added to this holiday in honor of the Madonna. The church of Santa Maria di Piedigrotta was built on the site of the cave. The day of this Madonna began to be celebrated not only with processions, but also with the performance of folk songs.

October 4 - Saint Francis of Assisi Day

St. Francis of Assisi Day (S. Francesco d "Assisi) - October 4 - is not a public holiday.

This is a national holiday, on this day masses are held dedicated to the saint, traditional games are held on the streets of cities celebrating this holiday, such as tug of war, race in bags, "tree of abundance" (albero della cuccagna) - a pole, a post with prizes at the top, which you need to get, etc.

On the main square of the city on this day, tastings of products produced in different regions of Italy are usually held. Every evening the restaurants offer original dishes. Evening performances entertain adults and children. Exhibitions of paintings and sculptures, concerts are also arranged, and the holiday traditionally ends with a performance of a brass band, which is especially liked by the elderly.

October 12 - Christopher Columbus Day

November 1 - All Saints Day

November 1 is considered a day of mourning and veneration of saints, deceased ancestors, relatives and friends. On this day, and especially on November 2, Italians visit the cemetery with flowers.

The ancient Celts, although assimilated by the Germans and Romans, caught on to the locomotive of history with their tradition of vigorously celebrating the New Year, which, according to their calendar, came on November 1. Pope Gregory IV, back in 835, realized that he could not overcome the pagan tradition, and declared this day the feast of All Saints.

Newly converted Christians agreed with the renaming, but the ritual was not changed. On the night of October 31, they dressed up as evil spirits, made pumpkin lamps and caroled around the yards. The ancient tradition was exploited with might and main by all sorts of misanthropes: the ideologists of the Inquisition declared this night the time of the witches' sabbath, and the Satanists appointed it their main holiday.

November 4 - National Unity Day of Italy

This day is dedicated to those who died for their country. It is customary to lay wreaths at the monuments on the graves of soldiers.

It is interesting that, introduced in 1922, this holiday was called the Anniversary of the Victory in the First World War (Anniversario della vittoria della Prima guerra mondiale), and then was renamed the Feast of the Armed Forces (Festa delle Forze armate) and bore this name until 1977. .

February 14 - Valentine's Day (Valentine's Day)

On this day, the church celebrates Valentine's Day, and lovers exchange traditional gifts and souvenirs in the shape of hearts, which are filled with ALL stores on the eve of the holiday.

February is the month of carnivals

which take place in almost every city. The most famous are in Venice and Viareggio.

For the carnival ball, masks are made of papier-mâché, although a real Venetian mask is made of thin leather treated in a special way. You won't find these in street shops these days. In Venice, there are only a few craftsmen who make masks according to old recipes, they are considered a work of art and are very expensive.

The Venice Mask Carnival is the most famous and oldest, the most original and unexpected: here the realm of masks and life itself resembles a theater stage among the canals. Dancing in the squares, luxurious embroidered with gold and adorned with precious stones carnival costumes. Under the cover of masks, passion is born and dies, and the characters of the Italian "commedia dell'arte" take to the streets and become the characters of the carnival. Like a bright ray of sunshine, the carnival breaks into the damp and foggy Venetian winter. And in an instant, it is colored with gold costumes, silver lace, bright spots of masks. Only the Venetian carnival is characterized by mystery and magic, mysticism and witchcraft.

Carnival in Viareggio, held since the end of the last century, was originally conceived as a performance-procession. The main events take place on four Sundays, when giant carts with huge figures towering on them and a "support group" dressed in the most fantastic costumes move along the main promenade of Viareggio.

Carnival processions and parades, fireworks and fireworks, concerts and folk festivals, a football tournament and a beauty contest - that's what carnival in Viareggio is all about. Unbridled fantasy, endless fun, non-stop music, sleepless nights - this is also a carnival. And endless sadness when it ends.

Interesting about the Italian language.
History, facts, modernity.
Let's start with a few words about the current status of the language, it is obvious that Italian is the official language in Italy, the Vatican (simultaneously with Latin), in San Marino, but also in Switzerland (in its Italian part, the canton of Ticino) and in several counties in Croatia and Slovenia, where there is a large Italian-speaking population, Italian is also spoken by a part of the inhabitants on the island of Malta.

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Many Italian holidays are very similar to those celebrated in Europe and around the world. The best examples in this case are New Year and Christmas. However, there are a number of other festivities, such as Halloween, which have been especially modified by the Italians. In the country of wine and sun, a number of other holidays are also presented, typical only for Italy. Here are ten of the most celebrated and most loved holidays by Italians.

The carnival, also known as Mardi Grass, is also implemented in other countries from different parts of the world. In Italy, it takes place 40 days before Easter. In a country where energetic and cheerful people live, the carnival is held in the same spirit: a sea of ​​colors, emotions and impressions hit Italy every spring. The most famous, of course, in.

Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione)

The celebration of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary takes place in Italy on December 8 and is considered one of the most significant holidays. A huge number of believers attend festive masses on this day.

Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica)

From year to year, on June 2, Italians celebrate another anniversary when Italy became a republic, repealing the laws of the monarchy. By the way, this happened in 1946. Given the fact that he repeatedly supported the fascist dictator (Benito Mussolini) during the Second World War, the monarchy became negative. And it is not surprising, in addition to this, the representatives of the “blue blood” of Italy have other “merits”.

Epifania (Epifania)

This holiday is celebrated every year on January 6, marking the end of the Christmas holidays. On this day, a fabulous atmosphere reigns in the Italian streets, and the kids are waiting at home for gifts from the good witch Befana, who comes to houses with gifts, just as the Magi once came to the newborn Jesus.

Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)

The day of the liberation of Italy from fascism is celebrated every year on April 25th. On this day, all Italians commemorate the victims of the regime and the bloody World War II.

Labor Day (Festa dei Lavoratori)

Despite the fact that many countries celebrate Labor Day on May 1, for Italians this holiday means much more than honoring the labor of workers. On this day, numerous liberal political parties protest on many issues. And although Labor Day usually ends without major incident, it is still a political holiday.

Ferragosto

Apart from New Year's Eve, Easter and Christmas, this is perhaps the most important and most celebrated holiday in Italy. Every year on August 15, Italians celebrate the Ascension of the Virgin - the day when the Virgin Mary ascended to heaven. During the celebrations of Ferragosto, all of Italy literally freezes, and no one misses the opportunity to enjoy the amazing atmosphere that is in the air.

Easter

The Italian version of Easter has a number of traditions and rituals. It is worth noting that the Monday following Easter is also a national holiday for Italians. On the eve of this holiday, Italians carefully prepare for it by attending numerous masses and services.

New Year's Eve

Italians like no one else loves holidays and various carnivals. As the inhabitants of this country themselves believe, every day a holiday is celebrated in some town or settlement. As in any country, the national holidays of Italy are divided into civil and religious. But any event is very colorful, with processions and fun. Not a single Italian will be able to answer how many significant dates they have in total, since their number is very large.

What are holidays in Italy about?

Italy is a country famous for its culinary traditions, as well as the fact that the Vatican, the center of Catholic life throughout Europe, is located on its territory. Therefore, the Italians have a lot of different festivals dedicated to products, when the locals demonstrate their culinary skills, as well as celebrations in honor of the saints.

Public holidays and carnivals

Venice Carnival. Italy is inseparable from the carnival, which takes place annually in Venice and gathers more than 500 thousand people. The origins of this tradition go back to the Middle Ages. A costume party is organized every year in February. The carnival is known for its masks, which the participants of the festival make with their own hands. The more beautiful the decoration, the more chances to take part in the mask competition. Immediately after the carnival, the pre-Easter fast begins.

New Year. Italians love to celebrate the beginning of the new year in the open air. They drink wine on the street straight from the bottle, and break empty containers for good luck. The first of January is a public holiday in Italy, and if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is moved to Monday.

sweet day. Saint Valentine, the protector of all lovers, is revered in all countries of the European continent. February 14 is a "sweet day" in Italy. Here they give sweet kisses, sweets, plush toys.

March 8. March 8 is not a public holiday in Italy. On this day, rallies and demonstrations are held in many cities. But Italians don't like to celebrate this day. They are outraged that attention to women is given only once a year, when it should be daily.

father's day. Saint Giuseppe, according to the beliefs of the Italians, was the father of Christ and always defended the poor and girls. Therefore, on March 19, it is customary to invite the poor to dinner and feed him. This is one of the most revered holidays. Children give gifts to their fathers and thank them for what they have. But still, Mother's Day, which is held on May 12, is more revered by Italians.

Public holidays

Founding of Rome. For residents of the city and tourists on April 21, the gates of the eternal city open and let them in on a colorful holiday. On this day, it was started to hold a beauty contest among girls, those territories that were once part of the Roman Empire.

Day of liberation from fascism. The national holiday of Italy, which is celebrated on April 25, is marked by the fact that Mussolini left Milan and the people began to fight for democratic freedoms.

labor holiday. Every year on May 1, demonstrations are held in all cities of Italy in honor of the Labor Day. But the holiday is more famous for the fact that on the first day of May, men in love put a branch of a tree or shrub under the threshold of their beloved, as a symbol of the fact that they want to offer her a hand and heart. Also on May 1, a kind of youth day is held. Music concerts are organized. It has become a tradition to plant a tree on this day, but some simply set up a pole, decorate it with garlands and hold festivities around it.

Republic Day. Monarchies in Italy were ended on June 2, when a republican system was proclaimed as a result of a general election. On this day, parades with obligatory air shows are held in major cities of the country.

Religious holidays

Easter. The most revered holiday for all Catholics is Easter. For him there is no set day, like all Christians. The date changes every year. Eggs are considered the best gift, especially chocolate ones with a surprise. On Easter, they eat a variety of egg dishes.

Saint Lawrence Day. During the reign of Valerian, Saint Lawrence was subjected to persecution and persecution as an adherent of the faith of Christ. Valerian forbade disrespect for paganism. Since then, on the night of August 10-11, Italians have been waiting for the first star to fall in order to have time to make a wish that will surely come true within a year.

Saint Bartholomew's Day. A very fun holiday, flowing with festivities, tug-of-war competitions, and other sports. Performances are held on the squares of cities, dishes are prepared according to recipes from different provinces. The holiday ends with a traditional brass band concert.

All Saints' Day. On the first day of November, patron saints are venerated in Italy. Italians visit cemeteries and commemorate dead relatives. And if November 1 falls on the first Sunday of the month, then it is also a holiday of National Unity.
Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This holiday is celebrated differently in every city. But everyone honors the Madonna on this day, they bring flowers to her statues. On the main squares on December 8, Christmas markets unfold.

Christmas. Italians love December 25 as a day when you can start a new life and get rid of everything old that was in life. They literally throw away everything: dishes, things and even furniture. At Christmas, Italians give each other small gifts, mostly sweets and small toys.

Saint Stephen's Day. One of the oldest carnivals in Italy begins on December 26 in Putignano, lasts several days and ends with Shrove Tuesday. Farinella is the hero of the carnival. He is dressed in colorful clothes and a hat with bells. The celebration continues until late at night. At midnight, before fasting, a bell begins to ring, which beats 365 beats. After the last blow, all festivities cease. Post starts. Ashes are sprayed over the heads of the gathered people as a sign that the time of expanse is over, the time of restriction has come.

Baptism. One of the brightest and favorite holidays, especially among children. Indeed, on this day, the sorceress Befana carries sweets home. And the story began with the fact that the Magi, going to Jesus with gifts, invited the good sorceress Befana to go with them, but she refused. And when I thought of it, it was too late - the Magi had gone far away. Since then, Befana has been delivering gifts home on the night of January 6th. She flies on a broomstick, enters houses through a chimney and arranges gifts in socks, which are hung up by residents who are already waiting for her. And for children who behave badly, Befana brings only colored sugar coals.
This day is considered the end of the New Year festivities. Fairs are held on January 6th, where sweet Befana figurines are always sold.

Abbot Saint Antonio's Day. In the central and southern parts of Italy, January 17 is a day dedicated to Saint Antonio, the first priest who went into ascetics and spent his life in the desert.

Saint Inessa's Day. On the day of January 21, a solemn event takes place in the church of St. Agnes: two sheep are sheared, which were grown especially for this day, and a cloak is woven from their wool. Then, as a gift, the cloak is presented to the Pope.

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