Plates, and saucepans
Submitted by Flip on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 11:20In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Get a plentiful supply of old plates to chuck out of the window at midnight, followed by banging a saucepan with a spoon and parading round the streets (the latter to scare off evil spirts), then round to a neighbours with a glass/bottle of wine/grappa and some cake (so they'll never go hungry or thirsty in the New Year) then fireworks....job done..!!
Does the plate throwing still
Submitted by Andiamo on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 14:21In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Does the plate throwing still actually happen anywhere? After 10 years in central and north Italy we never saw it nor any evidence to suggest it had happened! But perhaps we were just not in the right place? Apparently at one time, old pieces of furniture were also chucked out of the windows! Our experience was that you had an enormous meal, traditionally including a course with lentils and finishing with grapes, with family and friends, before the fireworks started at midnight followed by dancing (indoors, not out as generally too cold out). There is another tradition to wear red underwear to bring in the New Year which is why you will see so much on sale in the shops! Many restaurants offer a special meal with entertainment laid on - these did always seem very popular and would no doubt guarantee a New Year Italian style.
Ooh - do you actually live in
Submitted by English Teacher on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 14:42In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Ooh - do you actually live in San Severino? We're about 10km outside (maybe even know you?) I haven't seen any of the plate banging either - here or in Rome. Lots of food, including lentils, fireworks / guns being fired though. I'm not sure you'll find much dancing in the square, but most restaurants will be putting on a do. Saw a flyer for one at pizzeria LK (€60 per head I think).
LENTILS
Submitted by Gala Placidia on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 15:02In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Don't forget the lentils. They are an important part of the celebrations. From our old Forum.... http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/general-chat-about-italy/11274-best-wishes-new-year.html Enjoy!
It is our first winter here
Submitted by gavin on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 17:11In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
naples-new year........
Submitted by sebastiano on Fri, 12/10/2010 - 02:51In reply to It is our first winter here by gavin
yes, Naples is probably the only place where the throwing out of old things from windows and similar anti social practices still persists.But, and this was on the TV yesterday,it seems all the big famous restaurants bars hotels along Naples sea front have decided (in protest against the thousdands of tons of garbage still infesting the city) with a long black mourning drape along the front to close during (part?) the festive period to remain blacked out .Which i think is totally understandable ..and right.
Thanks for all the helpful
Submitted by sanseverino on Wed, 12/08/2010 - 07:02In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Thanks for all the helpful comments - will probably head into San Sev (we are about 10 minutes away) to see what is going on but am interested to see the restaurants seem to be charging as much as in the UK for an evening out which does mount up if there are 5 of you!
This is the New Years eve
Submitted by pas55 on Wed, 12/08/2010 - 07:39In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
lentils and underwear
Submitted by Patz on Wed, 12/08/2010 - 16:15In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
New Year's Eve
Submitted by Andrew on Thu, 12/09/2010 - 14:22In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Italians say 'Christmas with your close family; New Year's Eve with who you want'. Last year we walked to our local trattoria (we booked beforehand) and enjoyed a long and sumptious meal of local specialities; accompanied by Karaoke from the starters to the end of the night complete with firework display out in the street. We (me, Jean and daughter Becky) were the only English people in the place, but sat near a family from Sri Lanka visiting their son who is a waiter at the place. I must say that we had a great night; the other 60 or so locals made us feel immediately part of the 'family', tables were soon pushed together, and although I can't remember how much we paid (or to tell the truth walking home); worth every euro. Thoroughly recommend staying local if you can; helps integrate into the local community, and helps feel part of things for the year to come. Word of warning; occasionally the festive spirit encourages youngsters (and not so young) to have a few and then drive. If you're out and about, beware of the main roads about 2/3 in the morning of 1 Jan; some drivers think that the police are on a night off, and these drivers can be looney. Drink; or drive; but not both. p.s. If anyone wants to join us; they are more then welcome, as I know where we'll be bringing in the New Year.
RED UNDERWEAR
Submitted by Gala Placidia on Thu, 12/09/2010 - 16:33In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec