We all likely have some pretty amazing women in our lives that we feel indebted to and would like to celebrate and every March the whole world celebrates women with International Women’s Day. In Italy, in particular, there are specific ways to celebrate the day and traditions that have been created around this holiday.
International Women’s Day, which takes place on the 8th of March, traces its origins to women’s suffrage and labour movements in the 20th century. The earliest iteration of a formal day to celebrate women and promote the pursuit of equality and the establishment of more rights for women is said to have been a Women’s Day that was organsied by the Socialist Party of America in New York City on the 28th of February 1909. Then, in 1910, German delegates at the International Socialist Women's Conference suggested the idea of an annual version, though with no set date at that time.
The date that would eventually be settled upon, the 8th of March, is linked to women’s movements during the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the day was largely associated with far-left movements until it was adopted by the wider-scale global feminist movement in the 1960s. Officially recognised by the UN in 1977, the holiday became globally recognised by the mainstream from this period. Today, it has been commercialised and has become more of a sociocultural celebration separate from its more radical roots in many countries, which has been criticised by some women’s groups and organisations.
However, while more formal work is still required when it comes to legislation and education in working towards greater equality, safety, and freedom for women worldwide and this cannot be forgotten, it is still nice to remember to value the women around us in our lives as well. In Italy, they do this by men giving yellow mimosa flowers to the women in their lives (and women now also sometimes give flowers to their female friends, co-workers, sisters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and more) on the 8th of March each year. This tradition dates back to 1946, when the communist politician Teresa Mattei chose the mimosa as the symbol of IWD at the request of Luigi Longo, and it was given out on the first occasion of the holiday after WWII. The French had already been using violets and lilies of the valley but Mattei wanted to choose a flower that was more widely found and much more inexpensive so she suggested the mimosa instead.
Dishes inspired by the mimosa have also become common fixtures of International Women’s Day in Italy each year. Mimosa eggs, spaghetti mimosa, and risotto mimosa are just some of the meals that are made, mimicking the vibrant yellow bloom. Many bakeries will also sell various treats and cakes to celebrate the day, including the Torta Mimosa, which is a dessert that combines sugar, orange juice, whipped cream, and orange liqueur, making it easy to join in without having to make anything yourself!
International Women’s Day, or La Festa della Donna, is also marked in Italy with all sorts of special events from the more radical – like political protests, marches, and demonstrations – to the more entertaining – including free entrance to some museums, talks by special speakers, cultural events, exhibitions, and unique events like Venice’s parade of gondolas decorated with mimosa flowers.
So, if you happen to be on vacation in Italy and spending time in the country during March (and especially on the 8th), then be sure to keep an eye out for these special events and lovely blooms and to honour women, generally, as well as the amazing women in your own life.
