The cultural observation I chose was the eating times and value placed on meals in Italy. I chose this because of the way it differs from the customs in the United States. People usually eat at earlier times in the US, with it being traditional to have lunch at noon and dinner around 6 pm. Italian eating times are more similar to eating times in Latin America, which is where I was raised, so I was used to this and excited to pick it up again. Italians eat around 4 times a day, breakfast is usually very early, lunch takes place around 1-2 pm, and dinner starts around 8:30-10 pm.
Meals in Italy are savored and never rushed. Italians also place a lot of value on their meals, considering them special times to share with friends and family that are to be taken slowly and enjoyed which is why meals usually last multiple hours. Italians appreciate wine as much as food and make it an experience. Meals in the States are usually shorter and quicker. I really like eating times in Italy and the time dedicated to the meals. I loved I got to enjoy my meals with my roommates and the friends I made along the way. It reminds me of back home and makes me feel more connected to the culture.
Italians even have the tradition of “Aperitivo” which is a drink and snack shared by friends and family around 7 pm to open the stomach before dinner. Enjoying a digestive with friends after dinner is an essential part of the Italian dining experience. Aside from helping with digestion, it is a social ritual that allows friends and family to relax and enjoy each other’s company after a meal. Coming from Latin America, where this cultural aspect is very similar, I really got to enjoy the food and experience of a proper Italian meal. Italians place a lot of value on their meals. Italians are food-obsessed and often praise their traditional meals and cooking.
Food represents a key element in Italian culture. They see it as a way to socialize and celebrate in community. I feel like Italians would feel honored and happy about this cultural aspect being observed. This exercise helps me understand that there are global differences that exist that we need to recognize but that don’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. I loved to see my American friends experience a different way of eating that we will all be able to bring back home and incorporate aspects of this culture into our day-to-day lives, making us multicultural people.
I loved embracing the differences in Italian culture and bringing my favorite back home to share with my family. I also learned and taught myself how to make traditional Italian food, which I’m so excited to cook for my family. Meals are an essential form of socializing and bonding. Italians value taking their time and savoring every bite without rushing, the same as the Caribbean and Latin America, which is where I was raised. Eating in Italy, as in my country, is a culinary adventure that combines history, culture, and passion. It is a celebration of flavor and connection with your loved ones.