Many people from around the world love Italy, Italian art, cinema, music, language and food. But very often the tastes and vision of foreigners are very different from native people. During the La Notte Italian Season we’re interviewing Italian people about their opinion and tastes. So, let’s look at the first 5 beautiful people who have told us about their vision of Italy.
MARCO BOZZATO
Marco is a ballet dancer and fashion model. We’re happy to have him the first participant of this project and a friend of La Notte Magazine.
Where were you born?
I was born in Venice, one of the most magical cities in the world.
Let’s try to describe Italy in three words...
Beautiful, passionate and last but not least diverse.
The most important thing for an Italian is...
I’m turned between food and family.
What is the best thing in Italy?
The best thing in Italy in my opinion is that everywhere you look there’s beauty, and no money will ever give you such richness.
And the worst one?
Definitely people. Unfortunately Italians, specially in small cities, are still very close minded under many aspects.
The Italian people are...
Food lovers, fun seakers, creative minds and convivial souls.
Your favorite place in Italy?
It would have to be the Baia del Re. It’s a beautiful place in Cannaregio, Venice that faces the lagoon. It’s a peaceful location where you can sit on a bench, admire the sky getting cradled by the waves’ sound. In front of you there just some deserted islets and Murano on the right, if the sky is clear you can see the alps in the background and it’s the perfect place for listening to yourself and your thoughts.
Your favorite Italian food?
Mozzarella, without doubts.
And drink?
Aperol sprits! What else?!
What do you think about Italian cinema?
I’m not a fan of Italian cinema to be honest. I’m aware it has a huge importance in the history of cinema and in the history of our country but I’m such a fan of fantasy and I can’t help it but watching over-produced movies about fairytales.
And music?
I love all music, including Italian. Although my favourite Italian songs are not recents... give me some old Loredana Bertè, some Mia Martini or some Mina and I’ll be the happiest person!
What is, for you, the best Italian tradition?
The Redentore. It’s a typical Venetian celebration which takes place the 3rd Sunday of every July, it started in 1577 after the defeat of the plague that caused 50.000 deaths. Venetians feel this celebration very much and it’s one of the most importants for our city; everybody gather in San Marco’s basin with boats and gondolas to watch an incredible firework play that make Venice shine in every possible colour. It’s one of the most suggesting thing you could ever see.
Photos: Ilaria Colombo, Emilio Tini
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LEMÓND
Lemònd, a singer and musician, has also shared his opinions and tastes about Italy.
Where were you born?
I was born in the historic center of Florence.
Let’s try to describe Italy in three words…
Warmth, passion, union.
The most important thing for an Italian is…
In my case, the most important thing is to live to enjoy life.
What is the best thing in Italy?
Italians.
And the worst one?
Italians! : P
The Italian people are…
The Italians are too noisy.
Your favorite place in Italy?
I love Siena, in Tuscany :)
Your favorite Italian food?
Pizza...
And drink?
I love red wine, especially the aged and fruity one.
What do you think about Italian cinema?
I grew up with the old Italian cinema... Antonioni, Ettore Scola, Fellini, Monicelli...
And music?
Italian music is difficult... I love it a little, I hate it a little but I certainly love the veterans of the past: Guccini, De Andrè, Battisti, Battiato...
What is, for you, the best Italian tradition?
I don't know the traditions of my country very well... but I love the night of the Taranta, 8 August in Puglia or the Carnival of Venice :)
Photos: Daniele Matteagi
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ANTONIO MANGANIELLO
Antonio, a young ballet dancer, a student of Vaganova Ballet Academy has talked with us about Italy from his point of view.
Where were you born?
I was born in Ariano Irpino, a small town located in southern Italy, 100 km away from beautiful Naples.
Let’s try to describe Italy in three words…
Authentic, genuine, rich (not about money but about values)
The most important thing for an Italian is…
The most important thing for an Italian I think is Italian food. Many Italians particularly care about the Italian culinary tradition, which is renowned worldwide. Italians are often very scrupulous about Italian food that is recreated in foreign countries, it is difficult to find pasta and pizza as good as they are in Italy abroad.
What is the best thing in Italy?
The best thing about Italy probably is the immense artistic heritage it has, from works of art in museums to the beauty and aesthetics of the landscapes.
And the worst one?
The worst is probably politics, honestly I don't like to follow political issues but I know ours is not the best.
The Italian people are…
Italians are passionate...everything they do they do with passion.
Your favorite place in Italy?
My favourite place in Italy is probably my hometown, because it is where I built many memories, but I also love Rome, Florence for their artistic heritage.
Your favorite Italian food?
My favourite Italian food is pizza.
And drink?
I love Italian coffee.
What do you think about Italian cinema?
Personally I'm not a cinema expert, but cinema is a big part of Italian culture. Every year in Italy there are many film festivals, the most important is the one that takes place in Venice.
And music?
Also Italian music, like cinema, is internationally renowned, just think of the great Italian composers such as Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi...
What is, for you, the best Italian tradition?
In my opinion, the most beautiful Italian tradition is the importance of FAMILY, for us there is nothing more significant than this.
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SARA
We have talked with Sara, who lives in Venice and works in a watches shop, let’s look at Italy through this charming girl’s eyes.
Where were you born?
I was born in Venice, Italy.
Let’s try to describe Italy in three words…
Italy is art, patriotism and most important: food!
The most important thing for an Italian is…
In my opinion it's our culinary tradition, as I mentioned in the upper question, every time we travel anywhere in the world, we expect to eat good food just like we do here in Italy.
It’s the best thing in Italy… ans what is the worst one?
The worst one is definitely the organization. We are unable to organize even the simplest thing due to our very slow bureaucracy and politicians.
The Italian people are…
Italians are patriotic for sure, we are a proud people. We're proud of our culture, history, art and artists.
Your favorite place in Italy?
My favourite place in Italy is Venice. I might be biased but my hometown has it all, good food, loads of art and history, traditions, nice people...
Your favorite Italian food?
This is the most difficult question honestly! I'd say lasagna, but also pizza, tiramisù, bruschette... I can't really choose, I just love our food.
And drink?
Venice is pretty much an "aperitivo" city, so my favourite drink is the famous spritz, but I prefer the Select one, rather than the classic spritz with Aperol. Ah, of course it has to have a slice of orange and an olive!
What do you think about Italian cinema?
Italian cinema is an important part of our history too, there are many worldwide known Italian directors, actors, and most of all, we have very nice settings for movies.
And music?
Also Italian music is culture, lots of iconic old songs are still sung worldwide. My favourite Italian singer and songwriter is Cesare Cremonini: he became famous with a song about his Vespa scooter!
What is, for you, the best Italian tradition?
The best Italian tradition? It's a Venetian feast called Redentore. We celebrate it on the 3rd Sunday of July with fireworks to give thanks for the end of a terrible plague back in 1576. The fireworks play an important role as they are shot in the canal between San Marco and Giudecca island: the echo makes them sound in a particular way, you can actually feel the sound inside you. Usually Venetians have dinner in very loooong tables near the canal to be ready to watch the firework, or directly on the boat to see them as close as possible.
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CARLA LUCIDO
Carla, a young ballerina, a student of Vaganova Ballet Academy has told us about her Italy.
Where were you born?
I was born in Palermo, Sicily.
Let’s try to describe Italy in three words...
Art, beauty and passion.
The most important thing for an Italian is…
I can't decide between food and family.
What is the best thing in Italy?
The beauty of its culture, the landscape, the people, the history and of course we can't forget the food.
And the worst one?
The public administration.
The Italian people are...
Creative, unique and warm-hearted.
Your favorite place in Italy?
Taormina it's a small town in Sicily, overlooking the Mediterranean sea and with the amazing view of the biggest volcano in Europe, the Etna, it's a really breathtaking and special place.
Your favorite Italian food?
Very difficult to choose just one, I would say a nice Spaghetto allo scoglio, it's a seafood spaghetti and as a sweet the Sicilian Brioche with Gelato, that's a ice cream sandwich.
And drink?
Coffee.
What do you think about Italian cinema?
I like it, especially the comedy movies, some really make me laugh.
And music?
I also like it, it's part of my roots and brings up a lot of beautiful memories of my childhood. I like Vivaldi from classical, Raffaella Carrà, Noemi in pop...
What is, for you, the best Italian tradition?
The carnival, the most famous one is the one in Venice, but in many other cities we celebrate this colorful tradition with beautiful very beautiful carnivals floats and much more…
Interviews: Julia Sumzina
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