Colors of Procida Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The residents of Procida, like the rest of the Italians, consider the principle of bella figura, which can be translated as “keep style”, very important in their life. A kind of theatricality, exaggeration arises here not because of the love of hypocrisy, but out of a desire to perfect any role played in public. In general, the main motto of the locals is the phrase "all life is theater, and people are the actors". Here, everyone behaves as if all the eyes around him were on him.

An Italian woman will never go for groceries even to the neighboring store in her home dressing gown or sports suit. On the contrary, even the shopping bag should match the dress. It is extremely important for an Italian to show himself to be the master of life in everything, even if in reality he is shy. Sometimes, such a desire leads to conflict and rudeness. At the same time, it is important to look appropriate: visiting the theater in jeans and a T-shirt will cause almost the same bewilderment as coming to a picnic in a three-piece suit. In the evenings, the streets of the cities are filled with local residents in beautiful outfits performing an evening walk la passegiata.

It is interesting that even though the Italians like to communicate, they rarely address strangers. On the other hand, if you like a local resident, you can talk to him not only about the weather or politics but on any topic, even about classical German philosophy. If the Italian considers you his friend, many doors will open before you. So it has become customary that domesticity permeates all local society. Many even suggest that the Italians easily add foreigners to their friend circle because in that case, it's not necessary to communicate with the relatives of a new friend. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The family for a local is sacred. The children here are very fond of and pampered, allowed to express themselves in almost any way. Children respond with love to their parents, they almost never leave their homes early and even after the formation of their own family, they always help the older generation, especially women. The mother always, or almost always, remains in the first place for the Italian man even after the marriage. Although, it should be mentioned, that in most families here reigns matriarchy, even if at first glance it may seem that it is not so.

The Italians are very emotional. In communication, they like to actively gesticulate and raise their voices to such an extent that sometimes it feels like the words were locked up, and now they are bursting into freedom. The locals also admire women with all their passion. It is accepted to admire and give compliments to every member of the fair sex, regardless of her appearance and age, and do it quite sincerely.

They always put the enjoyment of life at the forefront. In many ways, it sometimes seems that the Italians are somewhat lazy. In fact, everything is simple: it is common here to work as much so as not to miss the rest of the life. The meals for the locals are an important ritual. During lunch or dinner, they often meet and talk with friends or relatives. They drink quite a lot, although you will almost never see drunk people in public places.

Procida is an island of contradictions. Behind a not very attractive local facade of a house often can be hidden an apartment full of works of art, and a sailor can be an avid theatergoer. Here, religion is an important element in everyone's life, but at the same time, they celebrate with the greatest scope the almost pagan Carnival along with Christmas, Easter, and the Epiphany. In summer, in the midst of August, the Sea Fair is held here – a phenomenon, which is quite unique for Italy.