Italian-Australian author Jenna Lo Bianco has shared five quintessentially Italian rituals that she says feed her soul and inspire her fiction. From the quiet reverence of traditional farming to the communal joy of the evening stroll, these practices reveal a culture that values simplicity, quality, and connection.
Lo Bianco highlights the Italian appreciation for doing things traditionally and simply, whether it's a farmer pruning vines by hand or a truffle hunter working with a dog beneath ancient trees. This quiet dedication to ancestral roots, she says, is a core part of the Italian spirit.
Another key ritual is the Italian approach to food: focusing on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering many mediocre options. This means sourcing local, seasonal produce and following time-honored customs. 'Do one thing and do it right, and you've already won them over,' Lo Bianco notes.
The aperitivo hour is a cherished daily pause, where an icy Aperol Spritz and a bowl of nuts are enjoyed at a bar for a fraction of the cost of a drink in Australia. It's a moment to slow down, often in delightful company, with the added scenic value of being in Italy.
The passeggiata, or evening stroll, is another ritual that brings communities together. It's a slow, present walk, often culminating in gatherings in the piazza where gossip is exchanged and updates shared. Dressing well earns bonus points, and the stroll is as much about being seen as seeing others.
Finally, Lo Bianco celebrates the integration of pets into Italian daily life. Dogs accompany their humans into high-end stores and bars, with amenities like water bowls widely available. While some messes remain on the streets, the coexistence of animals and humans is respectful and codependent, with even designer collars and name tags like 'Alfonso' adding to the charm.
