Culture and traditions

Italy is one of the western civilization’s birthplaces and is considered a cultural superpower. Italy is a country that has been divided by geography and politics for centuries until its unification, which happened eventually in 1861.

The cultural background of Italy

Throughout history, many local power centers, patronage, and regional customs have shaped the culture of Italy. The country’s main role in Western culture is still recognized vastly for its artists and cultural traditions. Overall, Italy has contributed significantly to Europe’s historical and cultural heritage.

The 20^th century experienced the biggest transformation of Italy from an agricultural and highly traditional society to an industrialized and progressive state. Despite unification, the regional identity had remained strong in Italy. Therefore, the nation developed as a cultural identity pretty unevenly.

The increasing influence of mass media is lessening various regional differences across Italy.

Traditions and festivals in Italy

Traditions of Italy consist of festivals celebrating saints, important historical events, and holidays. For example:

Carnivale di Venezia

In early spring, people in Venice celebrate a two-week party, i.e., Carnivale di Venezia. This two-week party is marked by live music performances, parades, parties, and masquerade balls. People wear masks throughout this festival, including half-faced masks and full-faced masks.

Even though family-friendly gatherings are an important part of this carnival, the party atmosphere and the masks give this celebration a reputation where “anything goes.”

La Macchina di Santa Ros

Here is another tradition celebrated on 3^rd of September every year. Viterbo city celebrates this tradition to pay thanks to Santa Maria Rosa. They credit her with saving the city in the 1600s from a disease.

Scoppio del Carro

Here is another popular Easter festival that is held in Florence. This tradition marks the First Crusade’s triumph. Mimicking the Crusade’s supposed events, participants create a beautiful cart in the tower’s shape, which is pulled through the city.

Outside the Piazza del Duomo in a square, the Easter mass is held by leading the oxen away.

At the climax of the mass, a participant will light the firework attached to the tower. These fireworks cover the entire tower, resulting in a shower of explosions and colored sparks. The tower will burn to the ground eventually.

Ferragosto

Ferragosto is simply a traditional holiday considered a period of relaxation. Italians take August off as a vacation. However, Catholic Church incorporated this traditional holiday eventually. That has turned these vacations into Virgin Mary’s celebrations.

Modern Italy’s celebration takes place on the 15^th of August and is considered a national holiday. During these celebrations, families cook food together, enjoy a beach party, and partake in other recreational activities.

The arts of Italy

Italy has been at the forefront of intellectual and artistic developments in the Renaissance. This has drawn their push from the Classical Greek’s reappraisal and Roman World.

Scholars and artists were specifically placed in Italy to stay in the lead in this revival. Earlier Gothic and Romanesque forms in architecture and art were replaced by Renaissance, which escalated the 16^th century’s Baroque styles with a flourish.

Final thoughts

Italy has a rich collection of culture, art, architecture, and literature from multiple historical periods. This country has a vast cultural influence throughout the world. This is mainly because various Italians have emigrated during the Italian diaspora to different places worldwide.