🇮🇹ap italian review
1.3 Holidays and Leisure Time
Verified for the 2025 AP Italian exam•Last Updated on June 18, 2024
Holidays/Traditions 🎊🎉
In Italy, people participate in large-scale holidays such as Christmas and Easter, but there are also many celebrations (le sagre) specific to each region. For these events, there is usually an emphasis on family, art, and culture. These events are an opportunity for people to socialize with one another and are an excellent way to honor different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Some popular holidays include...
Religious Holidays
- Il Natale (Christmas)**—**the children receive presents, but there is a BIG focus on understanding the meaning behind the holiday and the importance of Saint Nichols 🎅🏽
- **Il Carnevale—**the day before Ash Wednesday, the celebrations and parties begin. People wear fancy masks and elaborate costumes and everyone attends masquerade balls 🎭 💃🏽- History: Can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans. It represents a moment in the mythic cycle and is the movement of the spirits between heaven, earth, and the underworld. It is a passage between earth and the underworld, and for a brief period, the living lend the dead their bodies, but masks must be worn :)
###### Image Courtesy of Graham Guenther, from Unsplash - Pasqua (Easter)**—**religious parades and celebrations are held, a statue of Jesus or Mother Mary is carried, and meals commonly include eggs, Easter pie, and lamb.
Italy vs. USA: Christmas Edition
- Christmas Dinner 🐟 🦃 - Italy—fish is served (tradition says to avoid meat), and panettone or pandora are the desserts of choice, followed by a bingo match- USA—turkey is served with lots of cookies and pie
- Christmas Decorating 🎊 🎉 - Italy—preparation begins Dec. 8, which is the national holiday known as the "Immaculate Conception." Fewer decorations, with a greater emphasis on environmental protection- USA—Americans start to decorate immediately after Thanksgiving. The buildings and homes are decorated beautifully and extravagantly, and one of the highlights is the giant Rockefeller tree in NYC -
- Christmas Presents 🎁 🎁 - Italy—some gifts are given on Christmas day, but most are received 12 days after Christmas, on Jan. 6. This symbolizes when the Three Wise Men gave gifts to baby Jesus- USA—most gifts are opened first thing Christmas morning, with some families even allowing children to open 1-2 presents on Christmas Eve
Italy vs. USA: Easter Edition
- Easter Bunny 🐰 🐰 - Italy—just a story, but not a focal point of the holiday- USA—a human-sized rabbit that brings chocolate and candies to children. Extremely commercialized and Americans can even travel to malls and have their picture taken with the animal
- Easter Mass - Italy—VERY important. Churches are darker, the sermons maintain a more serious tone, and the mood is peaceful- USA—lots of singing and dancing, and people leave in a jolly mood. For most, this is one of the only times they will attend church during the year
- Easter Dinner 🐐 🐓 - Italy—not dinner, but instead Italians have lunch. Lamb or goat are the popular items- USA—small brunch in the morning then a HUGE dinner in the evening. Chicken is the popular dish
Non-Religious Holidays
These events are put on by specific regions, and they celebrate the use of the land. There is an emphasis on the culinary arts, and, usually, they are grand events with opportunities for socialization, a chance to honor different cultures and beliefs, and many different fun activities with HUGE amounts of food NOM NOM NOM.
- La sagre del vino—🍷🍷
- La sagre del riso del nord—🍚 🍚
- La sagre di cioccolata—🍫🍫
Leisure Time
The Italians assume a more-relaxed lifestyle than the majority of Americans. During the week, they tend to take full advantage of any free time they have in between their hours at work, school, etc. People like to meet their friends at the movies, a restaurant, a stadium, a mall, shopping centers, etc. In addition, Italian citizens enjoy relishing in many of the integral cultural aspects of Italian society such as music, art, food, and sports...
Music 🎼 🎤
- Every region has distinct music with different characteristics
- Voices are usually emotional and authentic
Art ✍🏽 🖍
- Rich connection with ancient Romans and Greeks
- Many museums throughout the country with beautiful paintings
Food 🥦 🥂
- Mediterranean culture - fish, olives, vegetables, wine
- Always fresh ingredients
Sports ⚽️ 🎾
- The most popular sport is soccer (Calcio), but many individual sports also have big followings
- Seen as social events because of the extreme camaraderie
The Italian Piazza 🌇 🍕
The piazzas are the open spaces surrounded by the most important buildings in the cities. They are used for public gatherings such as celebrations and markets.
- Identity—represent the culture, image, history, and character of the town
- Attractions—near civic buildings or religious figures - Per esempio, "Piazza del Duomo" is near one of the largest cathedrals in the world (Duomo di Milano) 💒 ⛪️
- Amenities—surrounded by cafes, restaurants, markets, retail stores
Key Terms to Review (11)
Calcio: Calcio is the Italian word for football (soccer), which is not just a sport in Italy but a significant part of the culture and lifestyle. It captures the passion of Italians, bringing communities together during matches, and serves as a major leisure activity, especially during holidays when fans gather to support their teams. The sport influences local traditions, celebrations, and even social events, making it an integral aspect of Italian life.
Il Natale: Il Natale, or Christmas, is a major holiday celebrated on December 25th, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. In Italy, it is a time filled with unique traditions, family gatherings, and festive meals, showcasing the cultural richness of the country. The celebration often emphasizes themes of giving, reflection, and togetherness, making it a significant part of Italian holiday customs.
Il Carnevale: Il Carnevale is a festive season occurring before Lent, celebrated with vibrant parades, masquerade balls, and elaborate costumes. It serves as a time for people to indulge in festivities and revelry, often characterized by music, dance, and community gatherings, making it a significant part of cultural celebrations that promote leisure and social interaction.
Immaculate Conception: The Immaculate Conception refers to the doctrine in Christian theology that states that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. This belief emphasizes Mary's purity and her special role in salvation history, marking a significant aspect of the Christian faith celebrated during specific holidays and leisure activities.
La sagre di cioccolata: La sagre di cioccolata is a chocolate festival celebrated in various parts of Italy, dedicated to honoring and enjoying chocolate in all its forms. This festival typically features a variety of chocolate-related activities, such as tastings, cooking demonstrations, and competitions, making it a joyous occasion for chocolate lovers. The event reflects the cultural importance of chocolate in Italian cuisine and serves as a celebration of local traditions and community spirit.
La sagre del vino: La sagre del vino is a traditional Italian wine festival celebrated in various regions across Italy, showcasing local wines, food, and cultural events. These festivals typically occur during the harvest season and serve as a celebration of local viticulture, bringing together communities and tourists to enjoy wine tastings, traditional cuisine, music, and folk performances.
La sagre del riso del nord: La sagre del riso del nord is a festival dedicated to rice, particularly celebrated in the northern regions of Italy, where rice cultivation is prominent. This event showcases local rice varieties and dishes, highlighting the cultural importance of rice in Italian cuisine. The festival typically includes food tastings, cooking demonstrations, cultural performances, and activities that bring together community members and visitors to appreciate this staple ingredient.
Panettone: Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread loaf, typically prepared and enjoyed during the Christmas season. This delightful treat is characterized by its tall, dome-shaped top and is filled with candied fruits, raisins, and often a hint of citrus flavor, making it a festive staple during holidays. It embodies the spirit of celebration and gathering among family and friends, symbolizing the joy of the festive season.
Pandoro: Pandoro is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that originates from Verona, characterized by its tall, star-shaped form and dusted with powdered sugar. This delightful dessert is enjoyed during the holiday season and has become a symbol of festive celebrations in Italy, often paired with warm beverages or served as a centerpiece during Christmas gatherings.
Pasqua: Pasqua, or Easter, is a significant Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It usually falls in late March or April and is marked by various traditions, religious ceremonies, and family gatherings, connecting deeply with themes of renewal and rebirth. The holiday often coincides with the arrival of spring, symbolizing new life and hope.
Piazza del Duomo: Piazza del Duomo is a significant public square located in the heart of Florence, Italy, known for its stunning architectural landmarks, including the Florence Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze), Giotto's Campanile, and the Baptistery of Saint John. This square serves as a central hub for both locals and tourists, especially during holidays and leisure activities, where celebrations and gatherings often take place.