ESEU

ITALIAN CULTURE COMMUNITY

The Italian born community is the largest overseas born community in South AustraliaThe
majority of Italians migrants to South Australia have come from five major regions: Calabria, Puglia,
Campania, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Today, the Italian community live together in specific areas.
This provides the atmosphere of community closeness and support which is very important to them. The
loss of community supporting structure in Italy was gradually replaced by the development of similar
supports in South Australia. Today, over 120 Italian associations, organizations and clubs exist.
RELIGION Most Italians are Roman Catholic. Religious observance is important, especially for older
people. The 2001 Census also revealed that the only other significant religion amongst older Italians is
Jehovahs Witness with 1.3 percent of older Italians identifying themselves with this religion.
LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION The language understood by the majority is formal Italian.
Hundreds of dialects exist in Italy, as the language varies between regions within the countrys provinces
It is important to note that some older Italians may be unable to speak the standard dialect and may have a
low level of literacy. Many Italians migrated from rural poverty stricken areas, where the opportunity for
education was minimal.A high level of physical contact is considered both natural and normal.
HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONSThe Italian culture is rich with traditions; many of them are related
to church activities. Easter, Christmas, Confirmation, and Marriage are all important traditions amongst
the Italian community.
Easter. Lent is observed by mainly older Italians. An important part of Lent is Palm Sunday, in which
olive and palm branches are blessed during Mass. On Good Friday, many older Italians attend the
Stations of the Cross. Church is attended either on the Saturday evening Easter Vigil service or Easter
Sunday morning. On Sunday it is customary for the family to come together for a formal lunch. A roast
lamb and La Colomba Pasquale (Easter Cake) are typical Easter dishes.
Christmas. On Christmas Eve, family and friends gather for a dinner mainly consisting of seafood, pasta,
and traditional dishes. Italians who practise the Catholic faith may also attend Midnight Mass and display
the Christmas manger or II Presepio in their private homes. Christmas day is enjoyed with a formal lunch
with family and friends. Christmas lunch will consist of traditional dishes according to each region.

Celebrations of the Italian Republic/FestadellaRepubblica June 2 The celebration of the Italian

Republic is a national holiday in Italy, and in South Australia many Italian organizations hold dinner
dances to celebrate this memorable day
FOOD AND DIET Italian cuisine and its broad acceptance in Australia hardly need to be detailed in this
context!
DEATH AND BURIAL RITES Generally, when a person is dying the family stays up until he/she has
passed away. In the case of Catholics, the rosary is recited and a priest is called to administer the last rites.
Prior to the burial, family and friends gather for a religious service and prayers. At this time, the body of
the deceased can be viewed, to enable relatives and friends to say their final goodbyes. Generally the
deceased is dressed formally for the burial.