Looking for birthday traditions in Italy? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Italian birthday traditions – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, and traditional food and drink.
Birthdays are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.
To help you explore Italian traditions, this article is organized into:
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Unique Birthday Traditions in Italy
Italian birthdays offer a glimpse into a culture that values family, friends, and good food. Here are some surprising customs you might encounter:
- La Torta in Faccia: In certain regions of Italy, particularly in southern regions like Sicily and Calabria, it’s a playful tradition to smash a piece of birthday cake into the birthday person’s face. This lighthearted gesture is believed to bring good luck and laughter, symbolizing a wish for abundance and joy in the coming year.
- La Vigilia di Compleanno: The night before a birthday, known as “la vigilia di compleanno,” holds special significance in Italian culture. It is often celebrated with a festive dinner attended by family and close friends, setting the stage for the main birthday celebration the following day.
- Your birthday, your treat: In Italy, the birthday person usually pays for the celebration. If you invite friends for dinner or drinks, you’re expected to cover the bill. Many people prefer home celebrations to save money. At work, the birthday person brings treats to share.
- No big bashes: Unlike other cultures, extravagant parties are less common. Italians often celebrate with intimate gatherings of close family and friends.
- Lucky birthdays: Turning 30, 40, and 50 are considered milestone birthdays and are often celebrated with larger gatherings.
How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Italian?
The most common way to wish someone a happy birthday in Italian is:
- Buon compleanno! (Formal and most used)
- Tanti auguri di buon compleanno! (Formal with added wishes)
- Feliz compleanno! (Informal and borrowed from Spanish)
- Happy Birthday! (English is widely understood)
Here are some of the best birthday wishes in Italian:
- Oggi è tutto dedicato a celebrare te e la straordinaria persona che sei. Buon compleanno! (Today is all about celebrating you and the amazing person you are. Happy birthday!)
- Buon compleanno ad una persona meravigliosa! Possa la tua giornata essere piena di amore e calore. (Happy birthday to a wonderful person! May your day be filled with love and warmth.)
- Ti auguro una giornata piena di tutte le cose che ti rendono più felice. Buon compleanno! (Wishing you a day filled with all the things that make you happiest. Happy birthday!)
Still haven’t found the perfect wish? Here is our full article on How to Say Happy Birthday in Italian.
Birthday Gift Etiquette in Italy
When giving gifts in Italy, it’s important to consider cultural etiquette:
Do’s in Gifting
- Consider bringing a thoughtful gift, such as a bottle of fine wine, artisanal chocolates, or a bouquet of fresh flowers.
- Consider practical gifts like gift cards, experiences, or homemade items.
- Wrap your gift nicely, presentation matters in Italy.
Don’ts in Gifting
- It’s best to steer clear of using black or purple when wrapping a gift. These colors can represent mourning or grief, and bad luck, respectively.
- It’s not considered polite to show how much you’ve spent on a gift. Make sure to remove or cover the sticker price to avoid any embarrassment or awkwardness.
- Don’t arrive empty-handed. If attending a birthday celebration, it’s considered impolite to arrive without a gift or something to contribute to the celebration.
Singing “Tanti Auguri” a cappella
In Italy, the tradition of singing “Tanti Auguri” (which means “Many Wishes” or “Happy Birthday”) a cappella is deeply ingrained in birthday celebrations.
Unlike elaborate karaoke setups, Italians opt for a more intimate and heartfelt approach, gathering together to sing the traditional birthday song without any musical accompaniment.
La Strenna
In certain regions of Italy, particularly in the south, children receive small gifts throughout the week leading up to their birthday as part of the tradition known as “La Strenna.”
These gifts, often symbolic or sentimental in nature, are given by family members and loved ones, building excitement and anticipation for the upcoming birthday celebration.
Lucky charms
Italians are sometimes known for their superstitions and belief in lucky charms, and birthdays are no exception.
Wearing red underwear on your birthday is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Additionally, having someone pull your earlobes at midnight on your birthday is said to symbolize good fortune and blessings.
Conclusion
Italian birthdays are a warm and intimate affair, steeped in tradition and good company. By understanding these customs and etiquette, you can celebrate with cultural sensitivity and create a memorable experience for yourself and your loved ones.
Birthdays are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.
So, here’s to the Italian way of celebrating birthdays!
Sophie is an etiquette coach who has the rare ability to make the intricacies of etiquette approachable and fun. She travels around the world coaching families, individuals, corporates and independent schools. Sophie has honed her craft without losing her easy-going charm.