Signora Sheila

As the sun wanes in the western sky the cool evening air beckons to all Italians everywhere to take to the streets – for la passeggiata. Young and old, and everyone in between – it’s time for the evening promenade.

If you’ve never experienced one, I can only assume you’ve never been to Italy. At least not the real Italy. Because this old, enduring, and beloved custom is as prominent as pizza and cappuccino!

The passeggiata or promenade

It’s a relalxed, easy-going activity. And healthy too – physically, psychologically, and socially. Something that most of us could benefit from! Many people today live cut off from others, shut in by busyness and privacy walls. But with this wonderful tradition, isolation is not a problem!

So if you find yourself in Italy, head to the town’s centro storico (historic center) or lungomare (boardwalk) if you’re by the sea. And just join the crowd!

But newcomers beware!

While this casual, relaxed stroll is mostly a chance to meet up with friends and catch up on neighborhood news, it’s also a time ‘to see and be seen’. An opportunity to show off your latest outfit or shoes. Or in our strange digital age – your new smartphone – prominently taking selfies, of course!

And in this land of fashion and beauty, most Italians dress up just to go grocery shopping! So you might want to leave your sweatpants in your suitcase…

A bit of history

Alhough no one seems to know exactly when the passeggiata got its start, even the elderly people remember it from their childhoods. Which brings us to an interesting tidbit of Italian culture.

In decades past, young couples were not allowed to date, or even go out for a casual gelato. All courtship took place at the girl’s home, with mamma, papà (or both) always present. Or perhaps, if the young man seemed fairly safe, a sibling might act as chaperone.

The only time they had any real freedom was during the evening stroll. In those days, the passeggiata was a rather segregated activity. The men at the bar drinking caffè or grappa liquor with the women gossiping on benches along the street.

The girls were allowed to stroll along with their friends, and discreetly flirt a bit with the boys – from a safe distance. But always under mamma’s watchful eye and dressed to make a bella figura, or cut a beautiful figure. Because all parents hoped to make a good match for their daughters, and a bella figura always helped.

The lovely passeggiata has endured down through the generations. And probably always will because Italians love it as much as their pasta and espresso – well almost!

We love it, and Italy wouldn’t really be Italy without it! So you’ll often find us out for a stroll in the evenings. It’s a great way to greet neighbors, get a breath of fresh air and maybe a little gelato! If you’ve never tried the homemade gelato featured in most Italian gelaterias, you don’t know what you’re missing!

Care to join us for la passeggiata? The gelato’s on us!

The Italian passeggiata is an enduring, and much loved custom. As prominent as pizza and cappuccino. And Italy wouldn’t be Italy without it!

Signora Sheila

📷 Images are mine