Entertainment, Media and Television for Expats in Italy

Federico Fellini’s 1960 film popularised the phrase “la dolce vita”. Although the film’s title was meant to be satirical, the phrase became commonplace to describe what life in Italy could be. The Italians are known for their leisurely approach to life. They are known for leading longer, healthier lives and the importance they place on their leisure.

Carnival

Brazil is not the only country where Carnival celebrations take place before Lent (the period preceding Easter on the Christian calendar characterised by observances such as fasting). Carnival is also celebrated in Italy. There is a saying in Italy that anything goes during Carnival Time (“A Carnvevale ogni scherzo vale”). One of Italy’s more popular carnival celebrations is the Carnival of Venice. This carnival was officially declared a public holiday back in 1296. Carnival was originally a grant of indulgence by the oligarchy to its people. The masks allowed people of all social classes to celebrate together and without inhibitions. The “flight of the Angel” has become one of the popular attractions during the Carnival. The lucky participant is dressed in a costume and descends from the bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica on a type of zip line. The city comes alive during Carnival and it is not to be missed if you are in Italy at this time.

Wine tours

Italy is considered the oldest wine-producing country in the world. From Moscatos to Pinot Grigio, Italy is teeming with a broad variety of fine wine.  A wine tasting tour should be at the top of your list. The Chianti Valley in Tuscany produces world-renowned wines. The Chianti region is divided into eight zones with each zone producing its own wine. If you have access to a car, the region of Chianti is easy to discover with the aid of a map. If you prefer a guided tour, you can visit the tourism office in your town for more information an organized tour of the many wine regions Italy has to offer.

Nightlife

Italy boasts a vibrant nightlife. There are many bars and nightclubs from which to choose. The drinking age throughout Europe is eighteen so if you have been posted near to a University town such as Bologna, there will be a young crowd at the bars. There are also many trendy spots around the country where people go to be seen. La Maison in Rome is one of those clubs that is packed every weekend. The Skyline bar in Venice, as its name suggests allows you to enjoy drinks while admiring panoramic views of the city.

Football

It is no secret that football is the most popular sport in Italy. The sport and its players are revered. For the football devotee, a visit to the San Siro Stadium is necessary. The stadium is the shared home of football clubs AC Milan and FC Internazionale. There is a small museum filled with insignia from each club.

Media

The press in Italy is largely decentralized and a few newspapers are available across the country. Two of the more widely read newspapers are La Republica and Corriere della Serra. There are also many local newspapers to choose from. English-language newspapers can usually be found but they come by at a very steep price.

There are three state-owned channels in Italy but satellite television is easily accessible and usually offers a mix of international channels.