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New Year's Eve, known as "La Festa di San Silvestro" in Italy, is celebrated on December 31st. It marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. The day is named after Saint Sylvester, whose feast day falls on this date.
Dinner: Italians often have a festive dinner called "Cenone" which translates to "big dinner." This meal typically includes multiple courses with traditional dishes such as lentils, which symbolize luck and money for the coming year, and cotechino or zampone, a type of pork sausage that represents abundance.
Fireworks: Like many cultures around the world, Italians celebrate with spectacular fireworks displays. These are meant to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity and good luck.
Public Celebrations: Major squares and public spaces host concerts and events leading up to a countdown to midnight. Afterward, people may continue celebrating in clubs or private parties.
Red Underwear: A quirky tradition involves wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve for good luck. This custom is deeply rooted in folklore and is still widely embraced today.
Gatherings: Many Italians spend the evening with family or friends at home or attend public gatherings where they eat, drink, dance, and enjoy live music.
Throwing Old Things Out of Windows: Although less common now for safety reasons, there was a tradition of throwing old items out of windows at midnight to symbolize readiness for the new year.
Kissing Under Mistletoe: Couples often kiss under mistletoe at midnight as a sign of love and good fortune.
Religious Services: Some people attend "La Messa di Mezzanotte," a midnight mass service held in Catholic churches across Italy to spiritually welcome the New Year.
New Year's Eve in Italy blends cultural heritage with contemporary celebrations, making it a vibrant mix of traditional customs and modern festivities.
