Start 2014 with a bang by seeing in the New Year in Italy. Known as ‘La Festa di San Silvestro’ the holiday sees a number of celebrations and parties take place, as well as some more curious Italian rituals.
Most famous is the Italian tradition to wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve to bring good luck. It is also commonplace to throw old belongings out of the window at midnight to symbolise one’s readiness to accept the New Year.
December 31 is also very much focused on friends, family and food. A lentil stew with zampone (stuffed pigs trotter) is commonly eaten when the bell tolls midnight to encourage good fortune; the round lentils are said to represent coins whilst the pork symbolises the richness of life in the coming year.
As the clock turns 12 elaborate fireworks displays light up the skies above some of Italy’s most iconic cities and prosecco, used to toast the New Year in street parties across the country.
Citalia, the leading Italian specialist, has selected some of its most popular New Year’s Eve breaks, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate the New Year in style and explore an iconic Italian city at the same time.
Rome
Rome comes alive over Christmas and New Year and its historic monuments serve as a breathtaking backdrop to the fireworks and festivities. Rome’s traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations are centered in the Piazza del Popolo where large crowds of locals and tourists celebrate with music, dancing and fireworks well into the night.
Citalia has a four night New Year’s break to Rome from £545 per person. Departing December 30, the offer includes four nights’ B&B at the three star Hotel San Remo and return flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet.
Venice
Iconic St Mark’s Square in Venice plays host to a huge New Year’s Eve celebration with music, a large fireworks display and a group kiss at midnight. The countdown is marked by the bell of St Mark’s Campanile, the imposing bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica. On New Year’s Day many bathers take a dip in the chilly waters of Venice’s Lido Beach to recover from the night before.
Citalia has a four-night New Year’s break to Venice from £629 per person. Departing December 30, the offer includes four nights’ B&B at the three star Hotel Ca Fortuny and return flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet.
Florence
The stunning city of Florence is renowned for its extravagant meals on New Year’s Eve and Italian families commonly get together to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and wines and celebrate the New Year. Numerous fireworks displays light up the city and can best be viewed from the bridges on the Arno.
Citalia has a four-night New Year’s break to Florence from £575 per person. Departing December 30, the offer includes four nights’ B&B at the three star Hotel San Giorgio and return flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet.
