Lifestyles, Social and Sports
The Italian culture is filled with art, literature, sculpting, architecture, music and cuisine. Their lifestyles consists of so much more than any amount of money/goods could buy. They completely enjoy the simple way of life such as spending time with beloved family and friends, eating excellent cuisine as well as enjoying natural and pure wines of their lands and taking evening strolls before they enjoy their dinners (also known as passegiata)
It is also well known that the Italians love their football (calcio), even so in Tuscany. Almost every region and city possess their own local football teams and some of them are even good enough to be part of Italy's premier football league. Florence is also the host of Calcio Storico each year, where different, competitive neighbourhoods play football against each other, also a part of their history as this was practiced and played since the 16th Century. The Italians also love traditional sports such as jousting and archery which are played each year at festivals.
Superstitions, Traditions, Beliefs and Religion
Throughout history one can see the Italian belief of superstitions, mostly linked with the fear/ admiration of the gods. When tourists visit Italy, they are somewhat surprised at what superstitions are a serious case and which are taken lightly. Most of these superstitions are also based on religion/ cults so to speak because it is known that almost 90% of Italians are Roman Catholics. Only about a third of the population attend churches. There are also small communities of Jews in Italy but their numbers are decreasing each day.
Some superstitions include: The Evil Eye (Malocchio) ' they believe is a curse caused by jealousy/envy of another person. The Devil's Hand (Corno) is another superstition which represents a male's 'manhood' or fertility and it is worn by men of Italy to ward of curses directed at their manhood. Lucky numbers is practices around the world and where 13 may be unlucky for some it is a very lucky number in Italy, whereas 17 is an unlucky number believed to be tempting death. Although 13 is considered lucky it is ill luck to be gathered around a table with 12 other men besides yourself because at The Last Supper described in the Bible, Jesus ate with his 12 disciples before he was betrayed and delivered to his death by Judas. Bread is seen as a sign of life as is portrayed in the communion of Jesus Christ, it may not be placed face down as this is a sign of disrespect towards God. Black cats is considered unlucky although you are lucky if you hear a cat sneeze.
These are only some and a few of many superstitions believed by Italians as well as still practiced today. Most and almost all the Italian superstitions are caused by their religion.
Festivals and Holidays
Some festivals and main events include: Luminara, Regatta of St. Ranieri and Battle of the bridge, Pisa ' Practiced on the 16th of June to honour and admire Saint Ranieri, the first patron saint of Pisa, Calicio Storico Florentino ' Florence ' Firework display in the honour of John the Baptist, celebrated on the 24th of June, Palio Di Siena ' Siena ' a horse-racing tournament practiced every 2nd of July and 16th of August. The winner claims the palio or banner in honour of the Virgin Mary. Giostra del saracino ' Arezzo ' Jousting tournament every second Sunday in September. Carnavale Viareggio, carnavils held before Lent, and then Christmas of course.
Public Holidays include: January 6 ' Cavalcata dei Magi: Celebration of the Three Wise Men, February 18: To commemorate the life of Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, which is a political holiday, March 25 ' Celebration of the Tuscan New Year, April ' Easter Sunday, June 24: San Giovanni Battista Day and Calcio Storico: Celebration of the historical football tournament, August 15: Ferragosto ' this is the biggest and most celebrated holiday in the whole of Italy which commemorates the ascendance of the Virgin Mary to heaven, September 7: Festa della Rificolona, also known as the paper lantern festival, October 31 and November 1: 'I morti' and 'tutti santi' ' This 2 days is also known as Halloween by other countries, this is only celebrated partially as children are only allowed to dress up, and this is only a recent celebration in Tuscany, 30 November: Festa della Toscana ( Tuscany day), December 25: Christmas.