November 30th - aka today - is "La Festa di Sant'Andrea." As I have pointed out before in one of the Observation Sundays, every day in the Italian calendar is dedicated to some Saint. But today was a big deal because Sant'Andrea (Andrew the Apostle) is more well-known than others. I thought it was just important in my family because my host brother's name is Andrea :) (I am not kidding; he has been singing about this festival for days because he believes that the date is set aside for him and not the Apostle).
So at school, our Italian teacher brought in some chocolate fish, which commemorates Andrew the Apostle who was a fisherman. We broke and ate too many chocolate fish during class. At home, my family did the same thing after dinner.
But then I asked my family why people eat chocolate as a part of the tradition. They said that they did not know where this custom originates from. They, however, mentioned that eating chocolate fish is exclusive to Viterbo only. So if I were to share this story with a Roman, s/he might not understand me.
I find that, once again, fascinating. This little tradition of indulging in chocolate shows how Italy - though a unified country - is made up of so many different cultures, dialects, and traditions. Knowing that these cities and regions have governed themselves independently from one another, I understand why this phenomenon is true. I still find it interesting though.
So if you happen to be in Italy on November 30th sometime in the future, stop by Viterbo, visit one of many gelaterias or bakeries, and buy for yourself some chocolate fish - why not?