New Year in Italy —or Capodanno — comes with unique customs and superstitions that promise luck, love, and prosperity. Here are some of the most fascinating ways Italians celebrate this festive occasion.
Traditional New Year’s Eve foods for prosperity
A central part of the New Year’s Eve dinner in Italy is a hearty serving of lentils, a dish steeped in tradition and symbolism. Resembling small coins, lentils have long been associated with wealth and prosperity. Their round shape and abundance evoke images of money, making them a perfect choice to ring in the new year with hopes of financial success and good fortune. Typically, lentils are paired with cotechino or zampone, traditional pork dishes that carry their own meanings. Pork, symbolizing richness and abundance, complements the lentils to create a dish that is not only flavorful but also deeply symbolic of aspirations for the year ahead.
Another cherished emblem of prosperity on the New Year’s Eve table is the melagrana (pomegranate). This ancient fruit, with its vibrant red seeds, is a powerful symbol of fertility, health, and good fortune. Its significance dates back to antiquity, where it was revered as a representation of life and abundance. Today, pomegranate seeds are used to adorn desserts, brighten salads, or serve as a fresh and colorful garnish, adding both visual appeal and a touch of sweetness to the festive spread.
Together, these dishes create a feast that is not only delicious but also rich in meaning. They encapsulate the hopes, blessings, and wishes for a prosperous and fortunate year ahead, turning the New Year’s Eve dinner into a celebration of both tradition and renewal.
Wearing red underwear for New Year in Italy
For those seeking love or luck, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is more than just a festive choice—it’s a deeply rooted tradition believed to bring good fortune and ward off negativity. This custom can be traced back to ancient times, specifically to 31 BCE during the reign of Emperor Augustus in Rome. At that time, wearing red clothing during Roman New Year celebrations was thought to symbolize prosperity and vitality. Both men and women would dress in red to invoke these qualities and usher in a successful year.
As the tradition evolved over the centuries, it became closely associated with undergarments. During the Middle Ages, for example, red fabric was used to cover intimate areas as a form of protection against misfortune. Today, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is a playful yet meaningful way to honor this age-old practice.
Some variations of the tradition add extra layers of superstition. For instance, it is believed that wearing red underwear inside out until midnight and flipping it to the correct side afterward amplifies positive energies. Others insist the underwear must be brand new and discarded after use to fully embrace the idea of leaving the past behind and welcoming fresh opportunities.
The vibrant red, often linked to love, passion, and vitality, makes it a fitting choice for those hoping to attract romance or rejuvenate their personal lives. Whether for luck, love, or tradition, this simple act adds an extra touch of magic to New Year’s celebrations.
Midnight Toast, Fireworks, and “Fare Rumore” in Italy
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, Italians raise their glasses of spumante or prosecco for a celebratory toast, welcoming the New Year with joy and unity. Fireworks light up the skies across cities, towns, and villages, adding bursts of color and energy to the night. These dazzling displays hold a deeper meaning, symbolizing the banishment of evil spirits and the arrival of good fortune and positivity.
Making noise at midnight, known as fare rumore, is another cherished tradition. Whether it’s through the explosion of fireworks, banging pots and pans, or ringing bells, the loud sounds are believed to ward off negative energies and malevolent spirits. This vibrant ritual ensures the New Year begins with a fresh burst of positive energy, clearing the way for a hopeful and auspicious year ahead.
Tossing out the old
In some parts of Italy, such as Naples, it’s customary to toss old items—like plates or glasses—out of the window. This dramatic gesture represents letting go of the past and making space for new opportunities and experiences in the year to come.
Kissing under the mistletoe
Couples often share a kiss under mistletoe to ensure love and harmony in the coming year. This tradition blends romance with superstition, highlighting the plant’s symbolic association with protection and blessings.
Celebrate New Year in Italy with Go! Go! Italia
As you can see, New Year in Italy and its traditions are a delightful blend of joy and superstition. As you plan your Italian adventure, let Go! Go! Italia help you immerse yourself in the culture and start your New Year the Italian way.
