Word of the Week: Papà

| Mon, 03/17/2014 - 12:32
child kissing father

Father’s Day in Italy is celebrated on March 19, this Wednesday, so our Word of the Week is Papà (Dad).

In the United States and other countries where Anglo-Saxon traditions have a strong foothold, Father’s Day (Festa del Papà) is celebrated the third Sunday in June, but in Italy and other Catholic countries, it is celebrated on March 19 to coincide with St. Joseph's Day (Joseph being the putative father of Jesus).

The more formal word "father" is translated as padre. A charming equivalent to papà is babbowhich you commonly hear in Tuscany in particular.

Buona Festa del Papà to all the dads among our readers!

Have a listen of an iconic Italian "dad appreciation" tune below, and pass it along. Or, if your papà has a sweet tooth, consider preparing something special to celebrate.