Naples Local Customs

THE CAMORRA: Though less well known than the Sicilian Mafia, the Camorra are far more than just a persistent local rumour. You're unlikely to witness the Camorra first-hand as a tourist - a street vendor selling contraband cigarettes is all you're likely to see - yet behind the scenes the organisation continues to blight the economic and social life of the city.

The relatives and people I met in Agropoli all had the newest styles. They live in homes that are sometimes centuries old, or have antique silver, crystal, lace, marble topped tables and so on that have been passed on for generations, or brought into the family by marriage.

What kinds of presents could you possibly bring them? Or give when you pay a visit or to say 'thanks' after a wonderful dinner?

My grandparents would invite them out as our guests for another dinner, or after dinner we would take them somewhere outside for dessert. There is a great appreciation for fine food and dining out. Also, helping to defray costs of petrol, tolls and parking is much appreciated.

Of course if you go visiting a big bouquet of flowers or local pastries are always appreciated.

If you're wondering about that little guy on top, That's Pulcinella, one of the many symbols of Napoli. Probably only second to Vesuvio and monstrous traffic

Pulcinella originated in Campania The nose has the form of a beak which ancients called 'pullus gallinaceus' It is thought the etymology of the word derives from the word 'Pulliciniello' that is pulcino or chick. Like Harlequin, Punch is a stupid servant who sometimes takes on contradictory personalities. He can be both stupid and astute, bold and cowardly and has an extremely lively expressiveness typical of Napolitans. The costume consists of a white coat constrained by a belt, a long hat and a black mask which highlights a hooked nose and wrinkles

When you come to Napoli, bring plenty of openmindedness and a good dose of patience. Driving here can be very stressful and aggrivating. Don't be offended by honking horns or hand gestures. It's all part of the Napolitan 'fun'.

When someone answers the phone they will say 'Pronto' meaning they are ready for you to talk.

Don't worry about tipping too much in restaurants, as most charge you a servizio of 15-20% anyways.
There is usually always a charge of 1-2 euro per person for sitting at a table. This is called coperto and is for the bread. This is in addition to the servizio. To ask for the check say 'Il conto per favore'

When you leave a restaurant you will be given a receipt (scontrino or ricevuto fiscale), which by Italian law must be taken with you. If you aren’t given one, it means the restaurant is probably cheating on its taxes in which case, they are probably offering you lower prices.

When parking, men may approach you to ask for money. They are not authorized to do this, but not paying will result in possible or probable damage to your car.

In southern Italy, being topless on the beach, is not acceptable for girls. Sorry! (I had to buy bikini there - its no problem, there are plenty.) ;)

I have a picture of me in bikini, but will spare you from that horror!

Italians shake hands more frequently when they meet than people do in Britain. Your bill in cafes and restaurants will include a service charge - but any special service should be tipped for separately.

The city at the foot of vesuvius which, toghether with Pompei, was buried by the volcanic eruption of A.D 79. Herculaneum,however, was submerged under a burning river of lava and mud, whilst Pompei was buried under ash and lapilli. This different means that, whereas at Pompei the layer which covered the town was five to six metres deep, at Herculaneum the torrent ao mud which swept over everything in one terrifyng flood first the villas on the slope and then the entire city solodified with a thickness of twelve to twenty five metres. Thus there were more difficulties here in excavating than there were at Pompei.
By train from Napoli center about 30 minutes.

Vesuvius has erupted about three dozen times since 79 A.D., most recently from 1913-1944. The 1913-1944 eruption is thought to be the end of an eruptive cycle that began in 1631. Photo by Italian Air Force from Green and Short (1971).