Colors of Isole Pontine - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

While traveling among the Pontine Islands, remember that the locals, like all the Italians, are very expressive. In the conversation, it is more important for them to express an emotional attitude than to convey the facts to the interlocutor. Therefore, do not take a raising voice, hands waving and interruption as a threat – it is just a normal way of communication here. You should address unfamiliar people not by name, but by "Signor", "Signora", "Signorina" if their academic rank and professional status are unknown. The latter is appropriate if you address a presumably unmarried girl. However, young people usually quickly switch to "tu" address or use the name.

Remember that here an invitation to a restaurant imply the payment of the check. The inhabitants of the Pontine Islands sincerely admire the beauty of every woman. For the Italians in general, the family is very important, so the mother often remains the most important woman in the world for a man even after the marriage. What is interesting is that in most families, as a rule, there is a matriarchy, but at the same time, the appearance of power is always with the man. Wives prefer not to argue openly with their husbands. The Italians generally like to "keep the facade", demonstratively sticking to all the rules of good taste. For example, no self-respecting Italian woman will go to the bakery around the corner without make-up and a beautiful dress to match the bag.

The locals are also a little bit theatrical. And it's not about dishonesty or a desire to cheat. Rather, every Italian lives under the motto "The whole world is a game" and enjoys trying on different roles. For example, after dinner, quays and squares are filled with beautifully dressed couples with or without children, just strolling hand in hand. On the Pontine Islands, you will not find a clerk in flip-flops, an athlete in sagging trainings or a theater-goer, who came to the play in casual clothes. There are a proper place and time for everything. In addition, every Italian in any situation tries to behave in a straightforward and snobbish manner, showing that he is the master of life. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

By the way, keep in mind that the desire to always look appropriate is in no way connected with punctuality. Moreover, everybody is always late here. Is the store supposed to be open at 9 a.m. but at 11 a.m. there is still no one behind the counter? It’s quite a typical situation. And vice versa, by the way, the opposite situation often happens too. So, if local people here invite you to a meeting, be sure, almost everyone will be late. The only thing that is strictly observed is siesta from 1 p.m. till 4 or 5 p.m. At this time, it is not accepted even to call someone, because you can disturb the afternoon nap. The locals, by the way, considered a bad tone to ask to show their house. If you are invited to visit, it is worth to present the hostess of the house a proper gift and flowers, just not chrysanthemums or red roses. The first here is a symbol of misfortune, and the latter is as a declaration of love.

If somebody gave you a gift, then the rules of good taste suggest the need to open it in front of a person, who gave it to you. They appreciate the ability to enjoy life. In general, the locals may seem careless and frivolous, but in reality it is completely different. It's just that it's not accepted to strain more than the situation requires. The Italians are very economical and prefer not to pay extra, but they cannot be called stingy. Remember that in most stores and government institutions, a small machine on the right of the entrance gives a turnout card.

The residents of the Pontine Islands are very devout and celebrate church festivals with the greatest scope. And, if Christmas is traditionally celebrated purely in the family circle, then on Easter most Italians gather in friendly companies. Tthe Day of Liberation from Fascism, and the Labor Day they celebrate on a big scale. On the 20th day, it is customary to celebrate San Silveo, during which the statue of the saint and the image of Jesus on the cross are carried to the sea to bless the fishermen.