Small Dose of Italian Culture #29
Welcome to the 29th edition of Small Dose of Italian Culture!
Italian Movie
Profondo Rosso (Deep Red, 1975) is an iconic horror/thriller film from the 1970s. Its director, Dario Argento, rose to international fame with a series of horror movies that terrified generations.
While the special effects may feel dated today, the film's vintage horror vibe still delivers thrills. It comes highly recommended for fans of the genre.
The soundtrack alone makes this a worthwhile watch.
Italian Song
This time, the Italian song I’d like to highlight is Il più grande spettacolo dopo il Big Bang (The Greatest Show After the Big Bang), an energetic celebration of love.
Jovanotti states, in so many ways, that after the Big Bang, the greatest show of all is “the two of us”.
Famous Italian
Some would argue he's more infamous than famous, but he's for sure a well-known figure in Italy. I'm talking about Fabrizio Corona, a paparazzo who gained notoriety in the 2000s for his involvement in a major scandal involving the extortion of celebrities using compromising photos.
Known for his flashy lifestyle and frequent issues with the law, Corona has since become a controversial media personality, and virtually everyone in Italy knows who he is.
Pop Moment
In 2021, Måneskin brought Italy global attention by winning Eurovision with "Zitti e buoni." Their quick rise symbolized a new era of Italian cool on the world stage, with some even comparing Måneskin to The Beatles.
In Italy, reactions were mixed. Many took pride in their international success, while others were more critical. There is a Latin saying that captures this phenomenon well: "Nemo propheta in patria," which means "No one is a prophet in their own land". Something quite often applicable in Italy.
Italian Landmark
Located near Terni in the Umbria region, La Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore Falls) is the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. What’s truly remarkable is that it wasn’t created with modern technology; it was engineered by the Romans in 271 BC (with some maintenance over the centuries), and its record still stands to this day.
It's a breathtaking sight and highly recommended if you’re ever in the area.
Italian Dish
This isn’t so much a specific dish as it is a list of things we generally don’t do in Italy when it comes to food:
We don’t usually put pineapple on pizza.
We don’t typically add chicken to pasta or pizza.
We rarely combine cheese with seafood.
We don’t serve meatballs with spaghetti; they're a separate dish. Spaghetti is a primo, and meatballs are a secondo dish.
We don’t really have Alfredo sauce.
We don’t put ketchup on pasta or pizza.
We don’t put cream in carbonara or amatriciana.
We don’t start a meal with a salad; it usually comes at the end or as a side (contorno).
We don’t eat fruit as a topping on savory dishes (melon with prosciutto is an exception, but generally no fruit in cooking).
We don’t generally mix different types of pasta shapes in the same dish.
We don’t drink cocktails or coffee with dinner. Cocktails are usually enjoyed as aperitifs and coffee after the meal.
I say generally because Italy is full of regional variations, and there's always the chance you'll find a small town that breaks the rules. But overall, these are good guidelines to keep in mind.
Italian Proverb
Ride bene chi ride ultimo.
(He who laughs last, laughs best.)
This proverb is used to express the idea that true success or victory is determined only at the very end. It stresses the importance of perseverance and reminds us not to celebrate too soon.
It’s also used when somebody mocks you for something you are trying to accomplish. You can tell them, “I’ll show you” with “Ride bene chi ride ultimo.”
Italian Custom
With the recent passing of the Pope, the world witnessed the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney, a sign that a new Pope has been selected. About an hour later, the announcement comes in Latin with the famous phrase, “Habemus Papam.”
By the way, for the first time ever, we now have an American Pope. It feels a bit strange to hear the Pope speak perfect English. Oh, and his Italian is good, but he carries a typical American accent, in case you were wondering. :)
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Small Dose of Italian Culture. Alla prossima!