Why Do Italians Love Being Italian?

As many of you know, I’m back after a brief hiatus to recover from surgery and I couldn’t be happier to get back to the world of Italian citizenship by descent!
It will come as no surprise to any of you that I love talking to people about getting Italian citizenship. So much so that every now and then, I seem to rub someone the wrong way.

But what’s so great about being Italian” or “why do Italians love being Italian so much?” are comments that I’ve heard more than a few times, typically followed by an eyeroll. I usually brush it off and chalk it up to jealousy (😉) but then I got to thinking about it – why do us Italians love being Italian?
Well, let me count the ways….

• Rich Culture and Heritage: Italy has a long and diverse cultural heritage that spans centuries, including significant contributions to art, literature, cuisine, fashion, music, and architecture. Many people with Italian ancestry take pride in their cultural heritage and appreciate the rich history and traditions associated with Italy.
• Love for Italian Food and Wine: Italian cuisine, known for its delicious pasta, pizza, gelato, and a wide variety of regional dishes, is celebrated worldwide. Italian food and wine are often considered a highlight of Italian culture, and many people with Italian heritage enjoy the culinary traditions and flavors associated with Italy. Not to mention the recipes and foods associated with their own family traditions, which oftentimes bring back sweet memories.
• Sense of Family and Community: Italian culture is known for its emphasis on family values and close-knit communities. Italians often have strong family ties and prioritize spending time with family and friends. People with Italian heritage often appreciate the importance of family and community in Italian culture and identify with these values.
• Passion for Arts and Creativity: Italy has a long history of producing renowned artists, writers, musicians, and innovators. People with Italian heritage may feel a connection to this artistic legacy and may be drawn to the creativity and passion often associated with Italian culture.
• Love for the Italian Language: Italian is a Romance language known for its musicality and expressive nature. People with Italian heritage may appreciate the beauty and significance of the Italian language, and may take pride in speaking or learning it as part of their cultural identity.
• Appreciation for Italian Lifestyle: Italy is often associated with a relaxed and leisurely lifestyle, with a focus on enjoying good food, wine, and the simple pleasures of life. People with Italian heritage often admire and appreciate the Italian way of living and the emphasis on la dolce vita, or “the sweet life.”
• Sense of Identity and Belonging: For individuals with Italian ancestry, embracing and celebrating their Italian heritage can provide a sense of identity and belonging. It can be a way to connect with their roots, understand their family history, and feel a sense of pride in their Italian heritage. This is especially true when going through the Italian citizenship process. Sure, the tangible benefits are plenty, but the pride and connection one feels when coming full circle and re-instating their family’s Italian citizenship is definitely something special.

Of course, it’s important to note that individuals’ reasons for loving being Italian may vary and are subjective, and not all people of Italian descent may share the same sentiments. It’s a personal and individual experience, and people’s feelings towards their Italian heritage may be influenced by their upbringing, personal experiences, and individual perspectives.
However, I know for a lot of us here that are trudging through the Italian citizenship by descent process (or have already been through it), being Italian and living life through the values and experiences this has ingrained in us is integral to who we are…..and there’s nothing wrong with being proud of it 🇮🇹