New Years in Italy

newyears Italians have a certain flair when it comes to most things, so it shouldn’t be surprising that their New Year celebrations are unique as well. If you’re going to be flying to Italy for New Years Eve, here are a few things you should know.

December 31 is called La Festa di San Silvestro, and New Year’s Day is called Capodanno.

New Years Eve is marked by a big meal with family and friends where the main course includes pork and lentils. The pork symbolizes the richness of life, and the lentils symbolize money or good fortune.

After the big meal, many people head outdoors to dance in the streets and in many places there are large fireworks displays at midnight. In other towns there are large public bonfires which can last until dawn.

Some cities host big outdoor events on New Years Eve, including popular music acts before and after the fireworks. One of the more famous and well-attended is in Rome’s Piazza del Popolo every year - it’s so popular, in fact, that some people will camp out long before December 31 just to get a place in the piazza.

Capodanno is toasted with spumante or prosecco, both Italian sparkling wines.

A couple of traditions which showcase Italian superstitions are wearing red underwear on New Years Eve (it’s supposed to bring good luck), and throwing old belongings out the window at midnight (out with the old, in with the new - year). The latter is particularly important to be aware of just in case you’re wandering Italian streets around midnight, as things like night stands and refrigerators have been known to come flying out of windows. Be alert!

While in some places, spending New Years in Italy won’t cost you an arm and a leg, in the hottest party spots the prices are likely to rise for a mini-high-season within the low season. Expect the prices in the bigger cities to go up, especially in Rome - and even for things like hostels. Also, expect most restaurants to close on New Years Day - either scope out a place in advance that will be open so you can get something to eat, or stock up on picnic items beforehand and plan to “eat in” that day. (If you’re staying in a hotel with a restaurant, chances are good it’ll be open on January 1 - but ask if you’re not sure.)

Here are some links for more information about New Years in Italy.