Blog

Ringing in the new year
By: Effetto Italy On: December 20, 2019 In: Italian Culture
New Year’s Eve is upon us and, like most holidays in Italy, traditions abound! As the day is typically about starting fresh and bringing good luck to the following year, Italian New Year’s mores are steeped in superstition, but still very fun!
Season’s Eatings – Enjoying an abundant New Year’s Eve feast is thought to symbolize wealth (and to help fulfill the hope of actual wealth in the following year). Italians traditionally prepare a meal with lentils or rice which represent coins. Another staple is the rich but wonderful cotechino, a pork sausage from Modena. And don’t forget to finish on a lucky note… you can’t have a festive New Year’s dinner without a bunch of grapes at the end, ensuring those at the table will be wise and frugal in the future.
Let it Go! – Italians, particularly in southern Italy, have a very cleansing custom of throwing away pots, pans, dishes, anything really, on New Year’s Eve. Symbolizing the relinquishment of discontent, the act is supposed to help you move on to a new and brighter future. Marie Kondo would very much approve.
In the Red – Nothing brings good luck in the new year like a cool new pair of red underwear. According to tradition, they should be received as a present and immediately thrown out the next day. Red symbolizes prosperity, along with heart.
Get Poppin’ – Most towns in Italy ring in the new year with exuberant displays of fireworks at midnight. And what better to drink while watching fireworks than our favorite sparkler, prosecco? It’s the perfect end to an evening and a start to the new year.
From all of us at Effetto, Happy New Year! And may your 2020 the best one yet.
Ciao for now,
The Effetto Italy Team
Already know what you want? Submit an RFP now.