Italy is a country with a long, rich history and culture. Italians are known for their love of food, wine, family, fashion and art. But what do modern day Italians truly value the most? Here we will explore the top things that are most important to Italians today.
Family
Family is at the heart of Italian culture and society. Italians have very close-knit family units that often include extended relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Several generations frequently live together in the same household or apartment building. Italian families tend to be patriarchal with the father or eldest male as the head of the family. However, mothers play a central role when it comes to caring for children and elderly relatives.
Italians maintain very strong bonds with family members even as adults. It is not uncommon for adult children to live with their parents into their 30s. Italian parents are very devoted to their children and make big sacrifices to provide for them. In return, children are expected to respect and care for their aging parents. Looking after elderly family members at home is seen as a sign of devotion.
Mealtimes provide an opportunity for Italian families to come together and bond over food. Sundays are usually dedicated to big family lunches after church. Even as family structures evolve, the family remains the most important social unit in Italian society.
Food
Italians are extremely passionate about food and dining. Mealtimes are truly cherished and eating is so much more than just nourishment – it is a celebration of life’s pleasures. Italian cuisine is world-famous with signature dishes such as pizza, pasta, risotto, lasagna, tiramisu and gelato.
Ingredients are key when it comes to Italian cooking. Italians use fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce. The quality of ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, parmesan cheese, meat and seafood makes a big impact on the final dish. Attention is paid to flavors and textures. Meals are crafted with care and meant to be savored.
Eating out is a favorite national pastime. Italians love lingering for hours at restaurants, cafes and trattorias. Dining with family and friends provides an opportunity for socializing and strengthening bonds over tasty food and wine. Mealtimes nourish both the body and soul.
Football
Football (or soccer as it’s known in the US) is by far the most popular sport in Italy. The national team has won four FIFA World Cup titles (1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006). Football is like a national religion, uniting people across gender, age, social class and geography. Most major cities have at least one major football club with a passionate fan following. Matches between rivals generate avid local interest and lively atmospheres.
The Serie A is Italy’s premier professional football league. Some of the biggest clubs include A.C. Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, A.S. Roma, S.S. Lazio and S.S.C. Napoli. Serie A matches are broadcast on television nationwide and attract high viewer numbers. Italians are enthusiastic in following the leagues, championships, transfers, coaches and emerging players.
Football talents start young in Italy. Children play in youth teams and academies nurturing skills from an early age. Stadiums are packed with devoted fans waving banners, singing anthems and wearing team jerseys and scarves. Football provides thrill and respite from daily stresses of life.
Catholic faith
Roman Catholicism is the largest religion in Italy with over 80% of native Italians identifying as Catholics. The Vatican City, seat of the Pope and the Catholic church, is located in the heart of Rome. The Pope is an important symbolic, religious and political figure for Italians. Catholicism’s roots in Italy go back centuries and the faith is deeply ingrained in society and culture.
Many Italians regularly attend mass and participate in sacraments like baptism, first communion, confirmation and marriage within the church. Catholic holidays like Easter, Christmas and Feast Days are marked with special church services, celebrations, meals and customs. Families teach children Catholic values from a young age.
Even for Italians who don’t actively practice, the church still holds cultural significance. They appreciate the beautiful cathedrals, art, architecture and musical heritage tied to Catholic history. However, with modernization, church influence in politics and society has declined over the decades.
Quality of life
Italians highly prize their quality of life. They strive for a healthy work-life balance where there is time for family, friends, food, rest and leisure. Slowing down and savoring life’s little pleasures is important.
Long lunches, coffee breaks, summer holidays and weekends spent relaxing are essential. Italians enjoy living life well through delicious food, good wine, fashionable clothes, cultural activities and traveling when possible. Gatherings with good company are treasured.
Late nights out eating, drinking, strolling and socializing are common. Italians are passionate about pursuits like arts, music, sports, reading and cinema that enrich spirit and mind. Their love for la dolce vita (the sweet life) is about enjoying quality time rather than material success.
Sense of style
Italians place enormous importance on looking elegant and stylish. They take great pride in their physical appearance. Italian fashion is acclaimed globally for its timeless beauty and craftsmanship.
Brands like Gucci, Prada, Versace, Valentino, Armani and Ferragamo epitomize Italian flair. Italian designs are coveted for clothes, handbags, shoes, jewelry, watches and accessories. Beyond brands, regular Italians also dress with care to look classy and put-together. Even casual outfits are chic.
Dressing well is a form of self-expression and respect. There is awareness of textures, colors and silhouettes that flatter. Attention to details like a well-tied scarf or fitted jacket makes a difference. Grooming and good hygiene is a must. Going out looking sloppy is unthinkable.
Coffee culture
Italy has a deep coffee culture. Espresso is integral to Italian lifestyle. Locals stop at coffee bars and cafes several times a day for short, concentrated shots of espresso. Coffee drinking is a social ritual that fuels conversations and connections.
Popular nationwide cafe chains like Lavazza and Segafredo serve espresso, cappuccino and caffe latte. Independent coffee shops run by seasoned baristas are also abundant, especially in cities. Italians take their coffee preparations seriously for optimal aroma, crema and taste.
Coffee is sipped standing at counters rather than sitting at tables. Baristas know locals’ orders and preparation preferences. Coffee provides an energy boost but also a comfort break to relax amidst busy days. Tiny cups of potent espresso sustain Italians through work and leisure.
History
Italy is home to over 3,000 years of history. The Etruscan, Roman and Byzantine empires were centers of power and culture in ancient times. Rome was once the epicenter of a vast kingdom and domain. Dynamic city-states like Venice, Milan, Florence and Naples held sway during the medieval and Renaissance eras. The archaeology, art, architecture, music and food traditions from centuries past still shape modern Italian identity.
Italians have a deep curiosity about their origins. Historical sites like the Colosseum, Pompeii and Uffizi Gallery draw locals and tourists alike. Primary school curriculum dedicates time for students to study ancient and medieval Italian history to better understand their heritage.
Italians fondly preserve traditions linked to religious or regional history. Keeping recipes and customs alive gives a sense of belonging. Even as Italy progresses, Italians stay anchored to roots through their profound appreciation of history.
Community
Italians have a strong sense of community ties and belonging. Most Italians strongly identify with their city or local village. Tight-knit residential districts form in urban areas. Several generations of the same families often live in proximity.
There is patronage of neighborhood shops, cafes and businesses. Walking and spending time in community piazzas and parks is common. Partaking in local festivals, markets, religious ceremonies and recreational activities bonds locals. Everyone takes an interest in happenings within the community.
This fosters a culture of familiarity and looking out for one’s neighbors. Community provides an extension of family for support, networking and fun. Italians embrace community as a pivotal anchor providing stability and relationships in a globalizing world.
Art & architecture
Italy has an artistic heritage spanning the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras. Art and architecture from bygone eras remain preserved in churches, palaces, museums and galleries across cities and towns. From Michelangelo’s David to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, da Vinci’s Last Supper to Caravaggio and Canaletto’s detailed canvasses, Italian art history is glorious.
Splendid basilicas, cathedrals and villas showcase ornate architecture and design. Artistry is also evident in frescoes, paintings, sculptures and glasswork. Domes of Florence Cathedral, arches of Colosseum, frescoes of Sistine Chapel and towers of San Gimignano are iconic.
Beyond historical sites, modern architecture also thrives such as designs by Renzo Piano. Contemporary art has a niche in cosmopolitan cities. Future generations find inspiration in the masterpieces left behind combined with new trends in aesthetics and functionality.
Language
The Italian language holds a special place in Italian culture and identity. Italian (or Lombard) is native to Italy and the official national language. Italian vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation have been standardized over centuries.
From street signs to restaurant menus to ad banners, Italian language dominates public spaces. Locals take pride in speaking proper Italian. Regional dialects and accents add diversity within the framework. Unification in language helps build national cohesion.
Language also carries Italian cultural nuances in terms of expressions, gestures, sayings and tones. Foreign learners find Italian musical and poetic. Standard Italian enables communication locally and internationally. Linguistic bonds strengthen community and Italian spirit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, family, food, football, faith, quality of life, sense of style, coffee culture, history, community, art and language collectively comprise the top ten things that modern Italians value most. These elements intertwine to create a rich fabric of Italian lifestyle and identity. Balancing tradition and modernity, Italians stay connected to their roots while also progressing. Striking this balance enables them to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.