Coping with the *&!@# in Italy
What may seem crazy is just part of life in Italy. This week, make a plan to handle the chaos, discover the best summer festivals, learn a little-known Italian demonym, and explore Umbrian lake life.
It’s Sagra Season!
There are so many reasons why people flock to Italy but there are two that usually top the list: the food and the lifestyle. The Italian sagra celebrates both. A sagra is a local festival, usually honoring a saint or a cherished ingredient or food produced in a specific area. They are held throughout the year but summer is really when the tradition shines. If you wanted to, you could hop from festival to festival every weekend (not a bad idea, actually).
A sagra usually takes place in an open field, in the town’s piazza, or sometimes just scattered throughout the narrow, cobblestone streets. There is no set way of doing things so the experience will vary greatly from town to town but you’ll usually find a tent with communal tables, a stage for performances, and a dance floor. There may be competitions, demonstrations, rides for children, and contests. Long lines can be part of the “fun” and it’s not really a place for a romantic date. Think more along the lines of a rowdy party, with families.
So how do you find out about these sagre? There are often colorful posters advertising the event posted throughout the town, or, if there is a tourist office, you can check there. Some areas promote their sagre through websites. You can find a list of sagre in Tuscany here. You’ll find a fish festival in Castelfranco di Sotto (21-23 June), a tripe festival in Santa Maria a Monte (21-24 June), a cherry festival in Prato di Strada (22-23 June), and many, many more. There’s something for everyone!
If you want to get a true taste of the local culture, attending a sagra may be one of the best things you can do.
❓ Trivia Question: What do you call someone from the region of Basilicata?
The answer may surprise you. First, let’s back up a bit. A demonym is a word used to describe an inhabitant or native of a certain area (there’s another piece of trivia for you). Some are easy to guess. For example, someone from Tuscany is Tuscan, Calabria is Calabrian, Veneto is Venetian - you get the picture. But what is the most common name given to someone from Basilicata? You may be tempted to say Basilicatan…but you’d be wrong.
The answer is Lucano(a).
Now for the (brief) history lesson. Basilicata is a region in the far south of Italy, essentially in the boot’s instep. It’s a rugged and rustic region full of dramatic landscapes and breathtaking scenery, including mountain vistas and sandy beaches. It’s also a region with a difficult past and challenging terrain, which has made transportation routes difficult (train lines are very limited). This could be why it’s not on the radar for many tourists.
During the Greek and Roman empires, this region of Italy was known as Lucania, probably for the Oscan word for light (luc). The name Basilicata was first used in the 10th century, most likely in reference to the Byzantines. Even with this official name change, the demonym Lucani stuck.
In the 1930s, Mussolini often referred to this region as Lucania, consistent with his fondness for the Roman empire.
Today, a common way to refer to people from Basilicata is, indeed, Lucani.
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Lake Life - Lago Trasimeno 🛶
A few very popular bodies of water in Italy immediately come to mind when talking about lake life, including Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda, all in the North. There is a less-known but equally stunning lake nestled in the green heart of Italy, Umbria. Lake Trasimeno, Italy’s 4th largest lake, is surrounded by breathtaking countryside and charming villages like Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno.
Here you can escape to the sound of lapping waves and chirping birds while still being well-connected to bigger towns like Perugia, Arezzo, and Siena. Ideally located close to the Umbrian-Tuscan border, Trasimeno is not remote at all. Transportation options abound as rail lines are easily accessible and the Perugia airport is just 30-60 minutes away, depending on which side of the lake you’re on.
Whether you prefer shopping for fresh produce at the local markets, strolling through the historical sights, or biking along the 60-kilometer (37-mile) path around the lake, you’ll never be lacking for adventure. Trasimeno is also home to 3 islands, each worth exploring (ferries run daily).
‼️ Fun Fact - Trasimeno, though large, is not at all deep. Its average depth is just 4-5 meters (13-16 feet).
It’s difficult to come up with many downsides to Lake Trasimeno and the surrounding area. Have you been there? Do you agree? Let us know on our Facebook page.
Location Spotlight - Certaldo, Tuscany
The ridiculously charming town of Certaldo can’t help but feel like a fairytale, especially when cloaked in Tuscan mist, as often is the case. You’ll discover two distinct but connected experiences here depending on whether you’re in Certaldo Alto or Basso. Alto represents a characteristic hilltop town with its cobblestone streets, red tile roofs, picturesque churches, and huge views of the countryside. Basso is more modern, featuring quaint cafes, bustling shops, and all of the amenities necessary for everyday life. The two are connected by a funicular and, together, make up a liveable little town that is truly worth exploring.
Ideally located in the heart of Tuscany, Certaldo is a dream for lovers of history, art, wine, and travel. It’s nestled into a triangle created by Florence, Siena, and Pisa, making trips to these popular destinations a breeze. Hop on the train and arrive at any of them in an hour or less. Maybe San Gimignano is one of your favorite spots, but you’re not into the crowds. Hop in the car from Certaldo and be there in 20 minutes! If you’re a golf lover, it’s about 30 minutes from one of the best courses in Tuscany, Castelfalfi. The bottom line is, this location is truly special.
Speaking of special, you cannot beat the charm and convenience of this👇incredible property in Certaldo Alto. It is beautifully updated, fully furnished, within walking distance of amenities and it comes with a parking space! All for € 350,000. This apartment is a gem.
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Podcast Corner - Making Sense of The Nonsensical 🤯
How would you rate your ability to cope with the unpredictable? If it’s on the lower end of the scale, and Italy is in your future, you may want to buckle up because you’re about to run into a thousand-pound gorilla: Italian bureaucracy. It’s famous…and not in a good way. While certainly one of the biggest obstacles to a new life in Italy, it’s not insurmountable, just terribly annoying, definitely frustrating, and unfortunately unavoidable.
In a recent episode of A New Life in Italy podcast, Samantha addresses the challenges head-on and gently walks listeners through the various documents that are necessary for a smooth transition to Italy. If you’re wondering how to untangle the mess of requirements and procedures, be sure to tune in.
Some of the topics covered include:
🇮🇹 Defining importance differences between documents like the permesso di soggiorno and carta di identità
🇮🇹 A step-by-step guide to obtaining these important documents
🇮🇹 What these documents allow you to do in Italy
🇮🇹 Tips on making the process easier
Consider this your invitation to find clarity and calm the chaos…at least in your mind. 👉 Disclaimer: the (sweet) chaos of Italy will still exist - we can only do so much. 😉
A Close-up of the Cosmos From Abruzzo ✨
Abruzzo High atop the Gran Sasso in central Italy, the Campo Imperatore Observatory has been unraveling the mysteries of the universe for over a century. Perched at an imposing 2,150 meters (7,053 feet) and away from light pollution, the observatory is perfectly positioned for an exceptional view of the cosmos.
The observatory is part of the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) and is well known in the field of a near-earth object (NEO) discovery (yep, this is a thing). The observatory houses a powerful Schmidt telescope that can scan the skies for asteroids and comets that could potentially impact our planet. More than 1500 of these objects have been identified from this location. Telescopes here are also constantly focused on distant galaxies, stellar nurseries (which is a cosmic cloud where new stars are “born”), and other celestial bodies, helping us understand the universe on a macro level.
If all of this is above your head (no shame…this is pretty deep stuff) or you just like to keep it simple, the observatory also offers a glimpse into the history of astronomy. There’s a really interesting museum here that showcases 19th-century astronomical instruments, providing a fascinating look at how our understanding of the universe has evolved.
Whether you have a passion for astronomy or simply want a change of scenery and incredible mountain views, the Campo Imperatore Observatory is an unexpected destination to check out.
🔥 Beating the Heat: Surviving an Italian Summer Without Air Conditioning
Italy's summer sun is legendary. Some flock here to enjoy it. Others dread it and try to avoid it. Many plan trips during the summer only to be surprised by it…and then are further surprised when they look for the air conditioner. While some accommodations do have A/C (typically in high tourist areas), many do not. So how do you handle the heat if you’re accustomed to cooling your air? With a little planning and some cultural understanding, you can stay cool and still enjoy Italy.
First, let’s explore why air conditioning is uncommon in Italy. There are a few reasons. First, the need for year-round cooling has not been great since the Peninsula’s other seasons are generally mild. That seems to be changing a bit, but air conditioning has not been part of the culture, historically. Second, many Italian buildings are historic and architecturally significant. Installing modern air conditioning systems can be impractical or even damage these structures. It is becoming more popular to install mini-splits, which are ductless and, structurally, less disruptive. Finally, a midday break during the hottest part of the day is engrained in Italian culture. This is why you’ll find many shops and restaurants closed during seemingly “peak” times.
Now, how can you stay cool, the Italian way? There’s definitely an art to doing so:
🇮🇹 Opt for loose, breathable clothing is key. Natural fabrics and light colors are the best choices.
🇮🇹 Stay hydrated. You’ll probably be doing a lot of walking, so don’t pass up an opportunity to fill up a water bottle or grab a sip at one of the many available fountains throughout Italy.
🇮🇹 See the sights like an Italian. Plan your outdoor activities in the mornings or evenings and take a break midday, or schedule your indoor exploring when it’s hottest (museums, churches, etc…).
🇮🇹 Embrace the nightlife. For as quiet as it may seem during the heat of the day, many towns come (surprisingly) alive when the sun sets. Plan on outdoor dinners and leisurely strolls through the streets.
🇮🇹 Look for accommodations with thick stone walls, shutters, and fans. These will all help keep temperatures down.
🇮🇹 When all else fails, eat gelato! There’s a reason this sweet treat is so popular. Granita is also a good choice.
Ask Samantha Anything (ASA)
Send your questions to sophia@smartmoveitaly.com.
Dear Sam: My husband and I are at the very beginning stages of talking about living in Italy for a few months a year. It would be ideal to find a rental on the coast that we could go back to every year in the summer, this way we can get to know the town and the neighbors..not to mention, learn the language again (which has been lost over the years). Are there any seaside towns that aren’t incredibly crowded from June to September? I want to avoid areas like Cinque Terre and the Amalfi. Where else should I look?
Dear Jennifer: Your plan to spend extended time in Italy before moving is a good one. Not only will it give you time to sink into the lifestyle, but also to explore areas that may fit your new life.
Summer in Italy is very busy and June - September are peak times. I am afraid that there are very few (if any) seaside locations that will be more relaxing during this time. This is because not only tourists are arriving in hoards, but also Italians are on vacation. In fact, the quietest places in August are the cities, because we all escape and head to the sea or mountains. You may want to consider going to the lakes instead of the sea, as they can be less hectic (avoiding Como). Lago Trasimeno, Lago Balsena, Lago Maggiore are all exceptionally lovely and will be less busy than the seaside. They each have little towns peppered around the lakes that can make a great base to explore.
Need a Visa? 🧳
Life in Italy can sometimes seem like only a dream, but it IS possible! We’ve helped countless people make it happen and we’d love to do the same for you. After your WHY, you need to figure out HOW. How will you be able to move to Italy? For some, it’s citizenship but for most, it’s a visa. There are several options so there’s sure to be a visa suitable for you and your circumstances. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Download our FREE Guide to Italian Visas👇and discover your best legal pathway to your new life in Italy.
As always, thanks for being a part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!