Joanne Natale Spigonardo
December 31, 2022
As Italians are gathering at Circus Maximus in Rome on New Year’s Eve, they are full of wonderful prosecco and delicious food. Perhaps many of them have already enjoyed their lentil soup with cottechino and a sumptuous portion of porchetta. They are joyous and boisterous with good times and happiness. In the back of their minds they are thinking about their lists of good intentions, or New Years Resolutions. Like everyone in the world, Italians are thinking of their past year and how they can improve their lives going forward.
Yes, Italians are like the rest of us making resolutions, but many Italians are not making the same resolutions as we are in the US. They are thinking about how they are going to take more time to spend with their families, they are already choosing their summer holiday destinations, and they are thinking about drinking the good wine. Of course, Italians have the best wine in the world, given their wealth of Barolos, Brunellos, Barberas, Chiantis and Montelpulcianos.
It’s true that on their New Year’s Resolution list, Italians want to lose weight, and exercise, and yes they want to read real literature and appreciate great art. You must say it is easy for them, as Italians walk on average about 4 miles a day. Una Passaggiata or a long walk is a staple in the everyday of an Italian, the daily walk to the grocery store, work, or just to take in the views is normal and keeps them fit, as they eat their quota of 100 grams of pasta per day. This exercise in daily life let’s them also eat on average one gelato a day as well. They don’t think about it but just enjoy to the fullest.
Taking in the culture is also around the corner, where in many churches you can find renowned works of art by Caravaggio, Titziano, Bellini, and Botticelli, it’s all in the neighborhood of the great garden of delights in the major Italian cities, and also the smaller ones. Who could argue that an Italian is not a lover of literature, when they are born with a copy of Dante’s Divina Commedia at hand. So, I say they are bound to keep their resolutions.
Let’s remember that Italians are not so much about self improvement, but about savoring every precocious and precious moment of life. Their priorities lie in enjoying the people, places, and all things delicious, and mostly they will always drink the good wine.
I hope you enjoy the good wine in 2023 and enjoy life as Italians always do!
Buon Anno! Happy New Year!
About the Author:
Joanne has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty. She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB. For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.
I hope you have a wonderful 2023 full of many of the Italian priorities that I mention here, enjoy every moment to the fullest.
Buon Anno!
Joanne
Hidden Treasures of Italy 
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