Felice Anno Nuovo
And just like that we are getting ready to yell Felice Anno Nuovo! All the presents have been unwrapped, the holiday leftovers are finally disappearing and the decorations will soon be taken down. 2017 is drawing to a close and a new year is eagerly waiting to arrive.
There’s so much that can happen in one year, 2017 was a busy year for many of us. Maybe you celebrated a marriage or welcomed a new baby into the family. Maybe you finally had the chance to take that vacation you’ve always dreamed of or you purchased your first home. Maybe 2017 reunited you with a long lost friend or brought you closer to family. What are some of your favorite memories of 2017?
People all over the world ring in the new year with celebrations, parties and excitement. Through the magic of technology we are able to see the new year begin across the globe while patiently waiting for it to be our turn. There are countdowns and ball drops, fireworks and confetti explosions, and always crowds and crowds of people. It truly is a time of celebration and new beginnings.
There are traditions and customs unique to countries and cultures and even communities and families. In an Italian family New Year’s Eve can mean a delicious dinner full of flavors and symbolism. Below is a menu of what you could find on a New Year’s Eve dinner table :
- Sausage such as cotechino or zapone – representing riches
- Lentils – health and wealth, the round flat shape and golden brown color represents coins
- Raisins – believed to bring good luck
After dinner, you may participate in the somewhat cleansing and satisfying practice of breaking items you no longer want as a way to show the current year that you are ready for a new start. And don’t be afraid to make some noise. Tradition is that the more noise you make on New Year’s Eve the more likely the demons are to stay away in the coming year. So turn up the music, light those fireworks and get ready to party.
Italians know how to celebrate and what better reason to celebrate than the start of a new year. 2017 will soon be just a memory and 2018 will be a year of possibilities and opportunities. How are you planning on ringing in the New Year? What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate or favorite family traditions? Send off 2017 with and a bang and get ready to welcome all that 2018 has to offer you.
Little Italy Tours wishes you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year or Felice Anno Nuovo!!
