Culture

December 10 - Day of Suspended Coffee in Italy

An ancient tradition and a gesture of goodwill. The day of paid cup of coffee in Italy is celebrated on December 10.

An ancient custom was born in the mid-nineteenth century. In Naples, for example, “suspended” (caffé sospeso) was called coffee, which was bought by the wealthier by the poorer citizens in bars. This was done, in accordance with the Neapolitan tradition, in order to provide even the most unsuccessful people the opportunity to appreciate the taste of real espresso.

However, then came the era of the economic boom and general welfare, and the tradition of “suspended” coffee was forgotten. Until today. Due to the crisis, the custom to pay coffee to those who cannot afford it has returned. Moreover, in 2011, a whole national movement emerged, the Hanging Coffee Network, which today has about sixty bars, festivals and associations supporting the initiative, from Trieste to Lampedusa. And this is not to mention the examples in Spain, Sweden and Brazil.

How it works? Very simple. "In places that provide this opportunity, anyone can leave a paid cup of coffee. Administrators write down on a special board how many cups can be sold, and erase the inscriptions when someone takes this coffee," explains Chiara Sasso, president of the Hanging Coffee Network. “The goal,” she continues, “is to encourage the mutual exchange of food and other essential goods. Today, this practice is becoming increasingly important. We are trying to maximize our project and hope that every day the number of bars and events with” suspended "coffee will grow."

Including for this reason today, December 10th, simultaneously with International Human Rights Day, is celebrated for the third time Suspended Coffee Day. A wide variety of events held throughout Italy include: presenting reports, musical and artistic performances, showing short films and tasting sweets, wonderfully in harmony with italian coffeewhich will certainly be "suspended".

It should be said that many famous people were noticed in the ranks of the Network. From the popular Italian TV presenter Luca Mercalli and the outstanding actress Franca Rame to the mayor of Naples, Luigi de Magritis. All of them advocated the idea of ​​"suspended" coffee. After all, this is not just a cup of coffee, but a gesture of goodwill. Which is accompanied - why not? - kind smile.

Watch the video: Naples marks 'suspended coffee day' amid social crisis (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Culture, Next Article

How to celebrate Christmas in Italy
Holidays in Italy

How to celebrate Christmas in Italy

Before the onset of the new 2018, there was absolutely nothing left. Already in full swing is preparing for the most celebrated and favorite holiday of the year. Festive Christmas trees have been standing on the streets for a long time, Santas and Snow Maidens are walking, and children are waiting for gifts. However, before the New Year, the Catholic Church is preparing to celebrate Christmas - one of the most revered holidays in the church calendar.
Read More
What you can not do in Italy: 10 main rules
Holidays in Italy

What you can not do in Italy: 10 main rules

A reasonable and prudent tourist, before setting off on a trip, will always try to find out about his country of destination in advance, try to study some traditions and habits of the local population in order to form a certain impression of the country and not get into a mess. It would seem that Italy is not so far away and we can understand Italians, however, tourists arriving in the country of wine and sunshine will inevitably make mistakes from year to year, which in some cases can ruin the whole impression of a vacation.
Read More
Venice in February - vacation tips
Holidays in Italy

Venice in February - vacation tips

Despite the fact that spring is still not very felt in Venice in February, the city is rather shrouded in fog and damp, tourists from different countries tend to get here. And there is an explanation for this: what kind of couple in love would miss the opportunity to visit one of the most romantic cities in the world? Or what kind of holiday lover refuses to come to the famous carnival?
Read More
The most unusual Christmas markets in Italy
Holidays in Italy

The most unusual Christmas markets in Italy

The Magic of Santa Claus in Pisa At any Christmas market you will find countless various images of Santa Claus. But there are cities where whole figures are arranged around his figure. For example, in Pisa, the Factory of Santa Claus was created. From December 13 to 29, the exhibition center of La Stazione Leopolda will turn into a magical place where children with the help of leprechaun elves will have the opportunity to make Christmas decorations or gifts to their parents.
Read More