CELEBRATING NONNI

Respect for grandparents and elderly family members runs deep in Italian culture, a reflection of the importance of ‘la famiglia’ (family) in Italian life. This love and closeness play out through daily actions and expressions of love. They’re treated as valued members of the family and are central to every aspect of family life.

Italy’s annual ‘Festa dei Nonni’ (Grandparents’ Day introduced by the Italian government in 2005) falls on 2nd October 2021. It marks the important role of grandparents in families and society in general. We should all appreciate and make time for our elders, just as Italians do.

THE ROLE OF NONNI

Grandparents (nonni) are truly special in Italy. ‘Nonna’ (grandmother) and ‘Nonno’ (grandfather) often live with their own children’s family (three generations together), and are looked to for anything and everything.

Nonni pass on traditions, skills and knowledge. They cook, help with childcare, teach practical skills (baking/cooking/sewing/DIY), are active in family-owned businesses, fix things, and help with household chores.

They’re family role models; teaching things in life that can’t be read in books, or seen in movies. They provide advice, pass on wisdom, guide morals, and reinforce values like respect, which is important in Italian culture. All while listening, providing love, patience, and encouragement (and being grandchildren’s number one fans)!

LONG & HAPPY LIFE

Italian nonni will tell you that the biggest secret to a long and happy life is slowing down to enjoy the present, and putting family first.

This opens many of life’s simple pleasures; the joy of delicious home cooking, sharing great food with loved ones, quality time with family and friends, keeping active in ways you love, spending time outdoors and pausing to take in moments.

APPRECIATING NONNI

In Italian life, it’s the simple things that mean the most. Here’s how Italians express ‘ti amo’ (I love you) to their nonni – simple acts of love, passed down through generations.

Aperitivo

In Italy, great beer in good company is treasured. So, take time out to enjoy an Aperitivo with your grandparents on your way home from work. It’s a chance to catch up and spend time together after a busy day over an authentic BIRRA MORETTI ZERO.

BE INSPIRED BY APERITIVO AT HOME

GREAT FOOD

Cooking is an expression of love and togetherness in Italy, so why not invite your grandparents around for a home-cooked Italian meal. We’ve got simple and delicious recipes that pair brilliantly with BIRRA MORETTI.

DISCOVER OUR RECIPES HERE

TIME OUTSIDE

Italians love spending time outdoors in nature, so make the most of these crisp October days. Join them for a casual stroll at a local beauty spot. Enjoy endless conversation, while also taking time to notice and appreciate the seasonal colours, sounds and smells - just as Italians do.

Social Time

In Italian culture, families are always socialising, celebrating and eating together. So, get all the relatives together for a delicious family meal at a local Italian restaurant or pub serving BIRRA MORETTI. Italians also love the cinema, so surprise them with tickets to a film they’ll enjoy watching with you.

Spending quality time with friends is also important in Italy. As grandparents age, they’re sometimes less able to get out and travel around as much. Offer to drive them to a friend’s house, or a local social activity, it will be hugely appreciated.

FORGET-ME-NOT

The flower chosen to celebrate Grandparent’s Day in Italy is the “Il non ti scordar di me” (forget-me-not). These simple gestures don’t just happen in Italy, Italians make time for them. Enjoy making your grandparents feel special with quality time together, great food and authentically Italian BIRRA MORETTI.

BACK TO SIMPLE PLEASURES

Appreciating Elders | Birra Moretti