Colors of Catania - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The culture of local people is very interesting and original. It is based on centuries-old traditions and customs, which are widely known and cherished in absolutely every family. The succession of generations is the key that lies in the heart of family relationships. Young people respect the elders and always ask them for advice. Many families live in large homes. Sometimes such private residences can be inhabited by 3 - 4 generations of the same family. Each family member has his-her own duties. Such a strict order helps everyone to live in peace and harmony. As a rule, younger members of a family are busy at work. Financial security is their primary concern. Older members of a family usually have such responsibilities as child-rearing and household chores.

Inhabitants of the city are very passionate about theater and music. Every cultural event here is a real holiday. It should be noted that in the local theaters visitors are always served by waiters. Offering refreshments and snacks during the premiere of a new play have become a kind of tradition in each theater. The cost of food is already included in the price of a ticket. Visits to the theater have long become one of the most popular and beloved leisure activities for local residents.

Locals are very friendly and welcoming to foreigners. They treat travellers with respect and even some curiosity. There is a universal way to win respect of locals – to learn a few phrases in their native language. Such a behavior will be the best proof of respect for local traditions. When entering any public facility, make sure to greet everyone present, and when you leave it, don’t forget to say goodbye. These are the rules of the local etiquette. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Local residents are very attentive to their look and selection of clothes. This is particularly true for older people. Any appearance in the streets in too revealing or raunchy attire can be interpreted as a sign of bad taste. Foreigners are also encouraged to dress in a classic style, while the fair sex is not recommended to use bright jewelry and accessories. The reaction of local residents to the appearance of a person wearing too revealing dress will be quite logical - passersby will offer him-her some cape or a shirt.

Travellers who plan to visit various religious sites and governmental institutions should be particularly attentive to the choice of their clothes. It’s really simple to have a good relationship with local people, you only need to follow basic rules of etiquette.

Local festivals and other celebrations are an excellent way to get acquainted with the authentic culture of the region. Festival Internazionale di Tango della Sicilia is one of the most popular events in the region. It takes place in the middle of hot August – befitting the passionate tango dance. The festival is an important event in the festival life of Sicily. Many Italians visit Catania during this time of the year in order to visit Tango della Sicilia. The event dedicated to this passionate dance is held in three areas: Romano Palace Hotel that also hosts competitions between dancers, Lido Azzurro Beach where regular visitors can dance the tango, and Royal Hotel that hosts fabulous performances and shows.

There is one more popular and colorful festival that takes place in close proximity to Catania, namely, in Acireale. This is Acireale Carnival that is held at the end of February and the beginning of March (the festival lasts 3 weeks). This is the time when the town at the foot of Mount Etna turns into a colorful kingdom. There is an old tradition associated with this holiday – people use flowers to make funny figures. Many participants love Acireale Carnival because of the traditional “confetti fight”. It is an exciting activity and a mesmerizing show. The event’s program includes theatrical, musical, and dancing performances, as well as various contests and games. In short, no one will feel bored at Acireale Carnival.

Besides festivals, many national holidays are celebrated in Catania. Naturally, these celebrations are ideal for all tourists who want to get acquainted with the local culture. For example, February 5 is the day when the city cherishes the patron saint of the city – Saint Agatha. All central streets of the city get a festive decoration for this holiday, and solemn procession carries the statue of Saint Agatha. Besides admiring the colorful parade, this celebration is a fantastic opportunity to sample local delicacies and drinks and, of course, watch fantastic fireworks in the evening.

Among religious holidays that are widely celebrated in Catania, it is important to mention the Holy Week (Settimana Santa) and Easter (Pasqua). These holidays are impossible to imagine without colorful fireworks, parades, and solemn masses. On Ferragosto, which falls on August 15, local people have fun as if this is their last day on Earth. This is traditionally the time to relax on beaches, watch fireworks, and swim in the sea. December 8 is the time for Natività della Beata Vergine Maria. Local people carry the statue of the saint on the main streets of the city. The holiday traditionally ends with fireworks. New Year is also popular in Catania. For example, Teatro Metropolitan always hosts grandiose shows that tourists simply cannot fail to attend if they visit Catania during the Christmas period.