Nonni: The heart of Italian family and culture

Every year on 2 October, Italy celebrates La Festa dei Nonni, or National Grandparents’ Day. Established by Italian Law No. 159 of 31 July 2005, this day recognises the significant role grandparents play in family and society.

The date holds cultural and religious significance, as it coincides with the Catholic feast of the Guardian Angels, or Angeli Custodi. This association symbolically links grandparents to caring, protective figures who guide and support younger generations.

Nonni in Family Life

In many Italian families, nonni are central to daily life and are the glue that connects generations. Their priceless contributions include physical, emotional, material support and care during difficult times, as well as the sharing of family knowledge and traditions. They provide practical support by assisting with school routines, meals, and childcare as well as emotional support by offering reassurance, encouragement, and a trusted perspective during important moments.

Grandparents’ presence contributes in many ways. Some share family stories, recipes, and regional traditions, while others pass on dialects, values, expressions, and memories of people and places. These exchanges help younger family members understand their heritage and build their own connection to Italian culture.

By helping preserve language, customs and personal histories, grandparents often contribute to a wider sense of community and cultural continuity. Their knowledge can keep local traditions meaningful while allowing new generations to remember and renew them.

A Day of Recognition

La Festa dei Nonni is more than a day for gifts or greetings. It is an opportunity to thank grandparents for their generosity, recognise their social value, and listen to their experiences.

Italian Law No. 159 of 31 July 2005 also encourages schools and local authorities to develop initiatives that highlight grandparents’ growing role in family and social life.

An old photograph or time spent listening can become a meaningful way to say: grazie, nonna e nonno! These small gestures honour the care, knowledge and cultural continuity that grandparents often bring to family and community life.