Italy culture and traditions: All you need to know as a student

in this article, I will discuss with details about the Itay culture and traditions what you need to know as a student when you are going to take an Italy visa as a student. Here are some really important things you must know about:

Reductions for students in Italy

If you are between 12 and 30 years old and live in the European Union, and become the Youth Card European ( European Youth Card ). It is a card that allows you to obtain reductions, promotions and discounts on tickets for transport, accommodation, cultural activities, leisure and shopping in various establishments in more than thirty countries in Europe.

You can do this card in any youth space, culture house or town hall of the place where you live. Even if you are not going anywhere, you are interested in doing so to enjoy its benefits in Spain.

On the other hand, once you know which university you are going to, find out about how to get your university card . It is very likely that in the city where you study there are discounts and promotions for university students and you can even get reductions in museums and festivals.

Italy culture and traditions: Italian cultural offer

The cultural and leisure offer is not going through its best moment. Restrictions, confinements and uncertainty have meant that the leisure and cultural offer has been reduced in many countries. Among them is Italy, hard hit by the coronavirus.

In other times it could be said that in Italy there was a great cultural offer: theaters, cinemas, events, festivals … In addition to an intense life on the street. And the thing is that if we Spaniards and Italians share something, it is the pleasure of having a beer in the sun.

Museums : Italy culture and traditions

What you can do, for now, is visit the museums and art galleries . Perhaps it is not what you most want during your time as Erasmus in Italy, but, really, do not miss the opportunity to see these works of art. If you are in any of the following cities, we recommend that you visit:

• Florence: Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia.
• Venice: Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Museo Cívico Correr.
• Rome: Galleria Borghese , Capitoline Museums.
• Naples: National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
• Milan: Pinacoteca de Brera, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.
• Turin: Egyptian Museum.
• Perugia: National Gallery of Umbria.
• Sardinia: Cittadella dei Musei.

Theaters : Italy culture and traditions

In the same way, if you are in a city that has an old theater, do not hesitate to go see some of the plays that are on the bill or simply visit the theater building. Some of the most important theaters in Italy are: Teatro Verdi (Trieste), Teatro Alla Scala and Piccolo Teatro (Milan), Arena of Verona (Verona), Teatro Parioli and Teatro Dell’opera, Teatro de San Carlo (Naples), Teatro Della Pergola and Teatro Nuovo (Florence), Ariston San Remo (San Remo), Teatro Massimo and Politeama (Palermo), Politeama Genovese (Genoa), etc.

Festivals : Italy culture and traditions

Italy is known for its festivals and events, especially around fashion and carnival. Although it is not certain that these festivals can continue to be celebrated, or not at least in the way they have been doing until now, it is worth knowing the great annual events of the Italian country:

• The Carnival of Venice : it takes place in February and is the best known carnival in the whole country.
• L’Ardia di San Costantino in Sardinia: a race is held to commemorate Constantine’s victory at the Mulvian Bridge in the year 312. It is an opportunity to meet up, enjoy the local gastronomy and have a good day.
• Festa della Madonna Bruna in Matera: it is a very particular procession that has a surprise ending and at night there is a fireworks show.
• San Biagio Festival in Avetrana: two days of music, food and fun.

Italian bank branches

If you are only staying for a semester or two in Italy, you don’t need to open a bank account in Italy. After all, if you have a Visa card, you can pay in most establishments and withdraw money at ATMs. As there is no currency exchange between Spain and Italy, transactions are greatly facilitated.

However, if you are going to study an entire university degree, you may be interested in opening an account. It will be very useful if in addition to studying you have a small job or if you need to address a receipt.

The main banks in Italy are:

• CheBanca
• BankPosta
• Deutsche Bank Italy
• Intesa SanPaolo
• BNP Paribas BNL D’Italia

Supermarkets in Italy : Italy culture and traditions

In Italy you will find well-known supermarket chains in Spain but also other national supermarket chains. Generally speaking, Italian supermarkets are good value for money. There is no reason to eat badly during your stay in the boot.

• Carrefour: supermarket of French origin that we are sure you know. It works very well in many countries within and outside of Europe.
• Conad: good prices and establishments open in a wide time slot. In big cities they are even open 24 hours a day.
• Coop: very similar to Conad supermarkets, they are large stores at affordable prices and good products. You will find a little of everything: fruits and vegetables, deep-frozen foods, prepared food and household products. It reminds us of our Eroski.
• Eataly: your reference supermarket to immerse yourself in Italian gastronomy and taste the typical products of the country. It is a supermarket specialized in quality Italian products. However, quality pays off. Feel free to go to Eataly to treat yourself and buy gifts for when you visit Spain.
• Eurospin: it is like a Lidl (which you will also see in Italy). They are not very popular with Italian families because of the low quality of the products; but they are loved by students looking for the lowest price.
• Esselunga: the favorite of Italians. It has very good products and families confirm its adequate value for money (even a bit expensive for students). Fresh products, great brands and a lot of local flavor.