Small Dose of Italian Culture #34
Welcome to the 34th edition of Small Dose of Italian Culture!
🎬 Italian Media
An entertaining Italian TV series available on Netflix, even in North America, is Summertime. It ended in 2022 after three seasons and tells the fictional story of two young adults from very different backgrounds who fall in love during the summer on Italy’s Adriatic Coast. Unlike some recent series, this one uses fairly neutral Italian without relying too heavily on dialect.
🎵 Italian Song
Gloria by Umberto Tozzi is an absolute classic in Italy. You’re likely familiar with the English version, which became famous internationally. However, if you translate the lyrics, you’ll quickly see that the Italian version (the original) is completely different from the English one, aside from the music.
🎭 Famous Italian
Monica Bellucci is an internationally renowned Italian actress and model, celebrated for her beauty, elegance, and versatile performances. She began her career as a fashion model before gaining recognition in both European cinema and Hollywood. Bellucci is best known for roles in films such as Malèna, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, The Passion of the Christ, Irreversible, and Spectre. She is regarded as a cultural icon in Italy.
🏞️ Italian Landmark
People visiting Rome can be forgiven for ignoring the rest of the beautiful region of Lazio. After all, you could spend a year in Rome and still not see it all, top to bottom. That said, if you have visited Rome a few times or are looking for a day trip in the same region, I can recommend Viterbo. The city’s medieval quarter, San Pellegrino, is one of the best-preserved in Italy, featuring cobblestone streets, stone archways, and picturesque piazzas that transport you back in time. Palazzo dei Papi (Papal Palace) is also well worth exploring.
🍝 Italian Dish
Trippa alla Romana is a dish made from tripe (the offal of farm animals). It was once popular mainly among those who couldn’t afford better cuts of meat, but its delicious taste soon made it a favorite among the wider population. Osterie and trattorie often serve trippa on Sundays. It’s a bit of an acquired taste, largely because of its unique texture, but it’s definitely something worth trying at least once in your life (if you eat meat).
🗣️ Italian Proverb
Chi la dura la vince.
(He/she who lasts it, wins it.)
It’s an invitation to persevere in the face of challenges to achieve success.
👀 Italian Curiosity
Italy is still predominantly Catholic, with about 70-80% of people identifying as Roman Catholic. But that affiliation is often more cultural or traditional than doctrinal. Only around 15-20% of Italians attend church weekly, while a large portion seldom or never attend. Even among self-identified Catholics, many engage with the Church mainly on major holidays, family events, or occasionally, rather than as a regular practice.
I hope you enjoyed the 34th edition of Small Dose of Italian Culture.
A presto!