Italians value spending time with friends and family, enjoying meals and laughter together. Italian culture has a rich history spanning art, architecture, literature, music and more. Traditions include festivals, dancing, and a passion for food and wine. Today, Italy remains influential in fashion and design while preserving its cultural roots.

1. CULTURE
OF
ITALY

2. Italians are warm,
welcoming people
who enjoy sharing the
pleasures of life with
others: a comforting
meal, an inspiring
sunset, and yes...a
clever joke.

3. "Una giornata senza riso è una
giornata sprecata." is a common
proverb: "A day without laughter is a
wasted day." Whether in a classroom
or strolling streetside, the Italian
people express an authenticity and
passion unmatched the world over.
Italian culture has a rich history that
includes art, classic architecture,
popular traditions, and customs.
Includes links to trends in Italy today
as well as resources on folklore,
history, and artistic traditions.

4.  Festivals and holidays in Italy:
There is always a reason to celebrate in
Italy, whether it's an historical event,
religious holiday, or festival.

5. Here is a short list of Italian holidays :
 Merry Christmas — Buon Natale!
 Happy New Year — Buon Anno!
 Happy Easter — Buona Pasqua!
 Happy Halloween — Buon Halloween
 Happy Valentine's Day — Buon San Valentino
 Happy Birthday — Buon compleanno!
 Happy Saint's Day — Buon onomastico

6.  Dancing in Italy:
As in many countries, dancing is an
important component of Italian
culture. Once such dance,
the Tarantella (Tarantula),
originated in the Middle Ages, and
is said to be probably the most
recognized song of all the Italian
folklore music.
 Drink & food in Italy:
One of the most enjoyable ways to
learn a language is over a meal or
in a bar, chatting to native
speakers. It is a good idea to brush
up on your Italian skills for ordering
food and drink prior to departure on
holiday abroad. Learn to cook this
delicious food with this list of Italian
recipes.

7.  Italian Literature:
There are a number of Italian texts, both
classic and contemporary, that are must-
reads for anyone interested in the history,
culture, and language of Italy. Whether it's a
trip to hell and back, a year's worth of love
poems, or ribald, coarse humor during the
plague, there's a tale for everyone.
Dante Alighieri, one of the
greatest poets of the
Middle Ages. His epic
poem The Divine
Comedy ranks among the
finest works of world
literature.

8.  Italian Fashion:
Italians way of dressing is changing, it's getting
more and more relaxed as the years progress; or,
so it seems. Because nothing, absolutely nothing,
in fashion, is accidental. Certain restrictions of the
80's and 90's have fallen by the wayside. To
many, this is a good thing.
Many of Italy's top fashion
designers have boutiques that
can be found around the world.
Among the best-known and
most exclusive names
are Armani, Benetton, Fendi, G
ucci,Versace, and Prada.
Accessory and jewelry labels,
such
as Bulgari and Luxottica are
also internationally acclaimed,
and Luxottica is the world's
largest eyewear company.

9.  Italian Music
Italian music has a tradition of popular
music, includes the traditional styles of
each region and also covers a wide
spectrum of instrumental music and
opera.

10. Giuseppe Verdi,
one of Italy's
greatest opera
composers. Portrait
byGiovanni Boldini.

11. Architectural
Architectural ruins from antiquity throughout Italy testify
to the greatness of cultures past. The history of
architecture in Italy is one that begins with the ancient
styles of the Etruscans and Greeks, progressing to
classical Roman,[10] then to the revival of the classical
Roman era during the Renaissance and evolving into
the Baroque era. During the period of the Italian
Renaissance it had been customary for students of
architecture to travel to Rome to study the ancient ruins
and buildings as an essential part of their education.

12. Trevi Fountain, Rome

13. Sculpture
During the Middle Ages, large sculpture
was largely religious. Carolingian
artists (named after Charlemagne's
family) in northern Italy created sculpture
for covers of Bibles, as decoration for
parts of church altars, and
forcrucifixes and giant candlesticks
placed on altars.
Michelangelo, David. This statue
of David, cut from an 18-foothigh
piece of marble, exalts the beauty
of the human body and is a fitting
symbol of the Italian
Renaissance's affirmation of
human power.
Jacopo della
Quercia, Madonna of humility.

14. Italians are very hard workers but they also know how to relax and
enjoy themselves. In major cities it's quite normal for people to work
a full five days and then half a day on Saturday, but it's also normal
for them to take a long lunch break every day, often going home and
spending several hours eating and sleeping, before coming back to
work.
The main meal, which is adoringly prepared and savoured, normally
takes place in the evening. It's a very social and family orientated
event. Italians often go on eating, drinking and socializing well into
the early hours.
The typical Italian home is simple yet practical and always colourful.
You'll see balconies with fresh redroses hanging on bright blue
railings, tables full of apples, grapes, fresh cheese and bottles of
local wine; colourful flowers everywhere, tiny courtyards and
gardens with picturesque statues. The homes reflect what the
people of Italy love; beauty, color, style, family and friendship.

16. Prepared by:
Kate S. Magpoc
Jinkee Leigh Ramilo
Mariko Anne Lim
Tarah Charissa Guiang
Abigail Gocotano
END