Culture

The cultural region of Milan is the one that consists of art, fashion, textiles, opera, designs and incredible architecture, particularly the Italian Gothic cathedral, which is in the heart of the city. Tourists can also find a variety of museums and theatres that are unusual and impressive. People take the initiative to enjoy as much as they can. The museums here have superb art pieces and exhibits in them that are worth a watch. There are many special cultural events that take place in the city. People can get information on the same from travel agents or even the tourist offices.

The culture of Italy is as diverse and varied as the Italian citizens themselves. The Italian culture can be found in the Roman remains, spread in many parts of the country. The precepts of the Roman Catholic Church and the spirit of the Renaissance and Enlightenment are witnessed in the architecture and on the terraces of the many football clubs. It can also be seen in Italy's magnificent food.

A. Music

The music of Milan has an ancient history. The Amrosian songs are amongst the first codified music in the Western culture, which infact led to the advancement of the concept of scales. In more recent history, the city of Milan has been an important social, political, cultural and business center not just in Italy, but also in the entire country of Europe.

Rome is known, as the global headquarters of Catholicism and St. Mary Major's is the only basilica and holds the greatest musical and liturgical customs of Gregorian chant and polyphony. One of the most energetic and liveliest is Milan's church choir, the Cappella Musicale del Duomo. With the training and the practice of polyphonic music, the Cappella Musicale del Duomo performs on a daily basis for its liturgical service. It is also a delicate job undertaken that accompanies functions celebrated by the archbishop.

These days the holy and liturgical music is a faint echo unlike before. The basic notion of liturgy can be understood by present day Catholicism, which is very different way than it once was.

B. Language

Italy is used to English speaking travelers, and in major cities they will find that many people try and converse in English. In small hotels and restaurants while commuting by public transportation, basic knowledge or a few phrases of Italian come in handy.

C. Religious Practices

Roman Catholicism has become the authorized religion of the Italian state in the year 1929 when the Lateran Treaty was signed between the fascist chief Benito Mussolini and Pope Pius XI. More than 90 percent of the people call themselves the Roman Catholics, even though the number of practicing Catholics is dilapidated. An agreement signed in 1984, ended the church's status as the state religion, it also put an end to obligatory religious teaching in public schools, and decreased the state financial charity to the church. An expected 225,000 people pray in the Protestant church, including Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists, and Waldensians. These are members of the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy also called the Federazione delle Chiese Evangeliche that was established in 1967. The Jewish community declined in number at the time of the World War II as a result of Nazi maltreatment. Since then, the number has increased mainly through immigration. In 1987 the Jewish community acquired special rights from the Italian state that allowed them to withdraw from work on the Sabbath and to observe Jewish holidays. Albanian communities in two districts and one Abbey in the Mezzogiorno now practice the Eastern Orthodox rite. The most modern wave of relocation from the Third World has brought with it people of non-Christian religious beliefs, the most significant minority being Muslim.

D. Major Events

Milan is a city rich in events with numerous different themes, all year round. Since, it is a fashion capital, there are many parades organized in Milan wherein world-famous fashion designers are present. In addition, the Milanese parades magnetize many renowned personalities of the show and glamour business and hence, become society and cultural events for the city.

Milan is also the center of designs that are exported all over the world. Consequently people come across several fairs and exhibitions dealing within this field. It attracts many tourists and experts. Besides, there are numerous art exhibitions, that are attractive and a variety of them are organized both in Palazzo Reale and in the Arengario, all through the year.

Milan constantly has a series of events and small festivals that take place in and around the city. The Commune of Milan, which is the Municipality of Milan updates its website on a regular basis. There are a number of jazz, theatres and dance shows that can be found around the city during the summer season, particularly in the month of July. People on a trip to Milan should not overlook the religious festivals, as these customary festivals are Milan's best-loved and most delightful features. Tourists can also discover that the Milanese are mainly fond of Christmas, and they start preparing for the celebrations right from the 7th December with the festival of O Bej, O Bej (since 1288) and end the Procession of the Corteo dei Re Magi on Epiphany on the 6th January.

The major cultural center, the Palazzo Triennale, which is, located on the western border of the Parco Sempione hosts the main international exhibition of arts every three years.

E. Etiquettes / Do's and Don'ts

? People in Milan are very particular about punctuality they appreciate if clients and guests observe the same.

? It is nice to receive third party invitations whenever it is possible.

? The Milanese speak at a comparatively fast pace. They greet people and guests with a warm handshake. The Milanese are friendly people and usually invite their guests home to meet their family members.

? It is advisable that prior appointments are taken before visiting a person and early morning hours are to be avoided along with after lunchtime.

? It is advised to dress professionally and in a stylish manner when invited for dinners.

Do's

? If people visit Milan for business purposes, it is advisable to greet and address business associates by using professional and academic titles.

? People are advised to distribute and exchange business cards with associates after the introduction session and it is said to start with older people and women.

? If the other person is treating for a business meal, it is better to make the arrangements in advance for the payment of the bill.

? People are advised to avoid discussing issues and topics such as the Mafia and the World War II.

Don'ts

? Do not go to a restaurant where there are no customers, as it is probably because the food served here is bad, or the atmosphere is awful.

? Do not venture out to dine at 7:00pm, since; the Milan people do not dine this early.

? Do not argue with locals about their smoking act in a non-smoking area because people here do not observe the non-smoking signs. So just move to another table or catch a window seat.

? Do not expect the Italians to take any rule in the actual sense, as they are very flexible regarding it.