Italians are nice and welcoming people who like to socialize with their family and friends. Conversation is an art for them and a crucial element in their daily life. It is common that, walking on the street, in public transport or in bars, the Italians engage in spontaneous conversations. In the town squares, a regular meeting place for locals, you can also find numerous groups of Italians chatting.
Life in Italy revolves around food and the day is structured according to the hours of the same, which are usually from 12:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for lunch and from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. Generally, the stores close at noon for one or two hours so that the workers can go quietly to their house to eat.
The family is an institution in Italy. It has a lot of weight in the lives of people and is considered a social unit. Its conception extends beyond the typical nuclear family composed of parents and children, and also includes uncles, cousins and grandparents. Family meetings are frequent and children usually stay with parents until an advanced age in which they make up their new family.
The Italians are very believing people. The most important and widespread religion in the country is Catholicism. Approximately 90% of the population adheres to the Roman Catholic religion, although only a third is considered a practitioner. The remaining 10% corresponds to Protestants, Jews and a growing Muslim community as a result of immigration. Religious holidays are of great importance in the country and churches, shrines and religious statues are present everywhere.