Welcome to Italy Italy is a country located in southern Europe It borders France Switzerland Austria and Slovenia Today more than 60 million people live in the 20 regions that make up the country of Italy The official language is Italian but each region has its own dialect Language is just one part of Italy’s unique culture The work of many important Italian scholars artists and scientists have also helped shape the culture of this country 4 Did You Know Many Italians refer to their country as lo Stivale which means the Boot because of the country’s shape
Religion is a big part of Italy’s culture Most Italians practice Roman Catholicism Because of this many of the country’s celebrations festivals and customs are based on Roman Catholic beliefs There are small groups of Italians that practice other religions such as Islam and Hinduism These people celebrate important events based on their religions These Muslims in Milan Italy are celebrating the last day of Ramadan Ramadan is a month-long Islamic holiday that consists of prayer and fasting 5
Feast Days of Patron Saints In the Catholic Church different patron saints are considered to be advocates or supporters for specific people animals places or professions and crafts such as bakers butchers or basket-makers Each patron saint has a holiday known as a feast day dedicated to them Believers remember and celebrate the saint on that day Saint Agatha is the patron saint of Catania Sicily as well as bell-makers and bakers On February 4 a statue of her is placed on a 40,000-pound silver carriage and pulled through the streets to honor her 6
Many countries have patron saints Italy’s two patron saints are Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine of Siena Italian cities and towns also have their own local patron saints This is often the place where the patron saints were born or did their life work Each city or town has a local holiday dedicated to their patron saint Saint Francis of Assisi is also the patron saint of animals and the environment His feast day is October 4 Saint Catherine of Siena is also the patron saint of protection against fire and illness Her feast day is April 29 7
