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

Salina citizens have a relaxed way of life. Italians don’t like to hurry and they prefer to make the most of life. But small islands are filled with a peaceful atmosphere. Mealtime has great importance for Italian people. Dinner is more important than supper and a glass of wine is its essential part. People often meet with friends or colleagues for a meal, it is an important part of a good day. Despite the fact, that Italians are family people, they try to become acquainted with new people and maintain these relations.
Salina Island is a perfect place, where you can spend holidays with children. The island was inhabited in the Bronze Age. There is a great number of ancient monuments. Wonderful streets and … Open
They won’t speak openly with strangers. But if you become a friend for a local resident, be sure to know the island from another side. Italians like to talk on different topics, such as Kant’s philosophy or modern cinema and football. It is customary to take care of your family and help to distant relatives. There is a joke, that locals prefer to be friends with foreigners because they live far away and you don’t have to help them.
One of the main Italian characteristics is their clan system. Many of the local shops have been owned by the same family for generations. Local residents marry late and live with their parents up to thirty. Moreover, even when they have created their own family, they never forget about parents. Sometimes, women on Salina joke, that even if a local macho gets married, the mother will be the most important woman in his life. Late marriages can be explained by the difficult divorce suit. This process can take about eight years in Italy. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
The most affordable way to know about Italian cuisine is a turistiko menu, a local variant of business lunch. It includes the first course or a salad, the second course, a dessert and a … Open
The island inhabitants like to attract attention, so they can behave theatrically. You won’t see here an Italian woman in pyjamas, staying in a line for bread. Local women try to take a shopping bag in the same tone as the dress. The principle of bella figure is important for Italians, it is translated as «the beautiful figure». Clothes should always be appropriate for a situation. Locals try to behave like masters of life. That’s why they may seem rude for foreigners. Italians can easily jump the queue.
Small streets of Santa Marina are full of nicely-dressed couples, families and single Italians in the evenings. They walk slowly, having small talks and evaluating people. This ritual is a part of an Italian lifestyle and it is called la passegiata. One more Italian characteristic feature is striving for beautiful and expensive things. If the house looks unattractive, it doesn’t mean that its residents are poor. The house can be full of expensive items.
Salina citizens have a relaxed way of life. Italians don’t like to hurry and they prefer to make the most of life. But small islands are filled with a peaceful atmosphere. Mealtime has … Open
Italians are people of a hot temper. They raise voice, use a lot of hand movements, changing their expression. It is customary to apologize, even if you are not guilty, Italians appreciate this behaviour. Italians are very religious and superstitious people. Salina Churches are full of people at Christmas, Easter and Epiphany because customs and traditions are very important for people here.
Salina Island - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

National traditions of Italy

Another important feature of the Italian character is a reverent attitude to family. Family values prevail over many others. Family for the Italian is not only parents, brothers and sisters, but also numerous "distant" relatives: cousins, uncles, aunts and nephews. In families, women occupy a dominant position. They manage not only the household, but also, often manage their men and solve important family issues. Children are pampered. From their childhood they are brought up fond of their parents, especially mothers. You can often meet an Italian 30-year-old man living with his mother so he can take care of her. Children in Italian families generally do not hurry to leave their parents. … Open

Traditions and festivals in cities around Salina Island

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