Because of the influence of social media these days, it’s easy to think that before you go on a trip to a new country, you know exactly what to expect, the customs you will come across, as well as the attitude of locals toward visitors.
However, this is not always the case, and there is nothing quite like the experience of being on the ground to truly learn about the history and customs of a country. With that in mind, this article will try to give you some nuggets about Italy before a trip to the cultural capital of Europe.
The Home of Bingo
Italy is famous for plenty of things, but did you know it’s said to be the home of bingo? It was created there in the 1500s by the Italian National Lottery, and gained even more popularity in the 1900s in the US. With the advancement of technology, the game has undergone a resurgence in popularity.
Gamers now have access to a range of online bingo games and can even research the best bingo games to win before they play and learn more about the different forms of the game. The in-person form is still popular too, with bingo played throughout the country in bingo houses, much like centuries ago.
Pay it Forward
The ‘caffe sospeso’, in Italian, is the idea of buying two coffees but only consuming one. Translated as the ‘suspended coffee’, the idea originated in Naples, one of the biggest cities in the south of the country, and dates back to the 1940s. The idea back then was that it would create a sense of community for locals and also help those who were less well-off.
It has since seen a resurgence in the city and even made its way to other smaller towns and villages. With the price of coffee not comparable to other, more expensive countries in Europe, it’s an easy and cost-effective way to ingratiate yourself with locals.
A Memorable Puppet Show
In the south of the country lies the island of Sicily. Recently brought to global attention because of the television show White Lotus, it remains a popular place to visit, especially during the summer months. One eye-catching aspect of local traditions is that of the ‘Opera dei Pupi’, a form of theater that dates back to the 19th century.
The whole performance is well recognized and even has UNESCO status, such is its cultural significance. The performances involve puppets, which play out different stories based on old legends.
Every country has their own unique traditions, and it is fair to say that these aspects of Italy’s society reflect the deep-rooted values of tradition and community values. Although society has developed and changed as time has passed, it is heartening to see that these aspects of society still remain.
If tourists and visitors are lucky enough, they might get to experience some of these or even learn about different cultural aspects on their next trip.
