Social life, neighbours and associations in Italy

When moving to your new home introduce yourself to the neighbours with a simple greeting Buongiorno, sono il nuovo vicino, and you might carry a small sweet.

• In small towns and villages neighbours know each other well and exchange help, and in big cities it may be colder.
• Elderly ladies are accustomed to ask about you and your family out of friendliness not nosiness.
• Go to the same café and the same bakery so that people become familiar to you.
• And in the neighbourhood look for the square, the library, the park and the social centre.
• Greet everyone on the stairs and in the lift.
• And tell your neighbours if you will hold a party or many guests will visit you.
• And mutual respect and greeting are the basis of a good relationship.

In a condominio residents own shared parts (entrance, stairs, roof), and it is run by a manager (amministratore) and they hold an annual meeting (assemblea condominiale), and owners and tenants in some items pay shared costs (spese condominiali).

• Read the regolamento condominiale, that is the building regulation, which sets the allowed times for noise, laundry, smoking on balconies and animals.
• Quiet hours are usually between three and four or five in the afternoon and after ten or eleven at night, and at weekends.
• Avoid disturbing works and loud music at these times.
• And in disputes speak with your neighbour gently first, then with the manager, then you may resort to a mediator.
• And separate waste at its collection times.

The aperitivo is a social Italian habit between six and nine in the evening: a drink with light foods at a café or bar, and some offer an open buffet at a fixed price (about ten to fifteen euros).

• You can ask for a non-alcoholic drink such as a spritz analcolico, juice or crodino and you will be welcome.
• Italians also go out in the evening for a passeggiata, that is a walk in the square or main street to meet friends and talk.
• And young people have nights out in clubs, restaurants, parks and concerts.
• The bill is usually split equally or alla romana.
• And if you decline alcohol there is no embarrassment and people do not usually insist.
• And accept invitations to coffee and aperitivo, since they are the quickest route to friendship.

In Italy there are widespread cultural, sports, social and religious associations: ARCI, ACLI, CSI, AICS and clubs for football, running, cycling and swimming, and hobby groups (languages, music, photography and hiking).

• For volunteering (volontariato) there are organisations such as Caritas, Croce Rossa, Protezione Civile, Banco Alimentare and Emergency, and municipal and library works.
• Volunteering teaches the language, introduces you to people, enriches your CV and may open job opportunities.
• And there is the Servizio Civile Universale for young people between 18 and 28 with a monthly stipend, and it includes resident foreigners.
• And migrant cultural associations offer joint activities for your compatriots and for Italians.
• Choose something you love and join regularly.
• And tell the organiser of your needs.

You may feel a sense of being away at first, and that is natural.

• Build a social routine: a weekly café, a sports class, a language course, and volunteering.
• Do not wait for others to take the initiative but propose yourself.
• An invitation to the home comes after acquaintance and trust, and remains an honour.
• Invite your neighbours and colleagues to tea or a meal from your cuisine, since Italians like trying new food and value hospitality.
• And accept the difference in customs in a spirit of dialogue.
• If you feel persistent sadness or anxiety speak to a friend, a doctor, a centre (consultorio) or a psychological helpline, since there is no shame in asking for support.
• And keep in touch with your family and friends in your country.
• And in emergencies call 112 or 118 as needed.

What is the aperitivo?