New Year's Eve

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 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 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).

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 and we are advised that mattresses get thrown from the windows in downtown Naples on New Year's eve. We are heading down to the city centre with a bunch of other Brits to enjoy the ambience (and possibly the mattress throwing).

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 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 menu for our local restaurant

polpo con patate Cocktail di gamberi COZZE ALLA MARINARA Lenticchie con cotechino ... Primi piattiRisotto alla pescatora Ravioli Ai gamberi SecondiOrata alla vernaccia Gamberoni alla griglia

I agree with Gaia about the lentils. They are essential to your fortune in the New Year. And you must wear red underwear to ensure a happy love life in 2011!

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.