As 2018 draws to a close, many of us are already planning our big night to celebrate the start of a new year. Whether you share New Year’s Eve with your friends or family, on your own or amongst strangers, there’s always an electric atmosphere in the air. Diforti has all that you need for authentic Italian food, especially if you’re throwing a party and need to impress your guests with the best party food. But if you’re thinking of going abroad, here’s how Italy rings in the New Year.
Food on Festa Di San Silvestro
New Year’s Eve is known as either Vigilia, Capodanno or Festa di San Silvestro in Italy. As always, like many Italian celebrations, food plays an active role during the day. Friends and family members will gather for a cenone (big feast) which features food that’s symbolic of wishes for the coming year.
A traditional dish usually served is zampone e lenticchie which is pig’s trotters and lentils. The pig’s trotters are normally stocked up from November, to buy at local supermarkets. This dish is said to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year. Pasta and Risotto dishes are also popular.
Diforti has a range of pastas and risottos and the accompaniments to go with them like their Crostini Bread or Taralli With Chilli to recreate these traditional dishes at home. We also have a great selection of food gifts and food gift ideas.
Typical Eve Traditions
If you find yourself in Italy, expect for it to be extremely busy wherever you go. Some typical New Year’s Eve goings on are firework displays, outdoor shows with pop and rock bands.
When it comes to traditions, guests at parties might play a game of Tombola, which is similar to Bingo and often last until sunrise. An old custom of the south which is still followed in some places, is throwing things out of your window to symbolise your readiness to accept the New Year.
An unusual tradition is that red underwear are a sign of good luck and therefore many Italians will wear these on New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Day
Just like the Christmas festivities, a lot of businesses will close for New Year’s Day. So, if you’re in Italy during this period, you’ll want to plan ahead when eating out and exploring. On the plus side, sightseeing spots are likely to be quieter from the previous night’s antics.
Celebrate the New Year wherever you are with Diforti’s range of wines like the Da Luca Prosecco or Organic Prosecco Extra Dry Doc. Check out these and all our offers on our Italian deli online.