Relaxed young woman lying on sofa in living room at home ( f8studio (123RF))
Welcome dear reader, to the land of pizza, pasta, and… afternoon naps? Yes, you read that right. If you’re new to Italy, prepare to be introduced to one of the country’s most cherished traditions: Riposo. This can be such a hard concept to wrap your head around coming from the United States where it’s “GO, GO, GO” but I assure you, it’s a concept you will want to take with you when you leave.
Riposo, also known as pennichella in some parts of Italy, is the Italian version of Spain’s, siesta. It’s a time in the afternoon when shops close, streets empty out, and Italians retreat indoors to escape the midday heat. But it’s not just about catching some zzz’s. Riposo is a sacred ritual of relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s the Italian way of saying, “hold on world, I need a break!” Fear not though, chain stores and shops in malls do not close, so if you happen to be at the mall, you can still shop. My local Ipermarket (a sort of supermarket) stays open. They call this “orario continuato,” meaning that the business stays open throughout the day and will close at 8 p.m.
If you’re from a non-stop, hustle-bustle city, the concept of Riposo might seem alien. Imagine this: You’re out exploring the charming streets of Rome, when suddenly, at around 1 p.m. (or maybe 2 p.m., depending on the business) the city seems to hit the pause button. Shops close their shutters, restaurants turn away customers, and the usually lively piazzas become eerily quiet. It’s as if someone whispered “Riposo” and the city obediently went to sleep.
The best advice for traveling and living in Italy is to plan your day around Riposo. This means getting your shopping done at small stores out of the way before Riposo begins. I also advise filling your backpack or purse with snacks in the event that you can’t find an open restaurant.
Now, before you get too excited about this sanctioned naptime, there are some rules to follow. First, Riposo is typically observed between 1 and 4 p.m., though the exact timing can vary. Second, it’s considered impolite to disturb others during this time. So, if you had plans to practice your opera singing or start a parade, you might want to reschedule.
As a newcomer, you might find the concept of Riposo frustrating. There you are, ready to explore and shop, but everything is closed! Fear not, my friend. Instead of fighting the Riposo, embrace it. Take this time to relax, read a book or even join in the napping tradition. Who knows? You might find that you emerge from Riposo feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your Italian adventure.
Beyond being a delightful excuse for a nap, Riposo has some real benefits. It encourages a slower pace of life, reduces stress and promotes a sense of community. After all, there’s something quite bonding about knowing that as you tuck into bed for your afternoon nap, so are millions of others across the country.
So, as you embark on your Italian journey, pack your appreciation for the art of Riposo. And remember, when the shutters close and the streets quiet down, don’t panic. It’s just Italy’s way of saying, “Relax, have a pizza, take a nap. La Dolce Vita awaits you after Riposo.”
Check out Kimberly’s blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels, for more entertaining and informative articles.
