Calabrisella Mia

Today is International Women’s Day, or as it’s known here in Italy, Festa della Donne. Before moving to Italy, I wasn’t too familiar with this day and it seemed to be celebrated mainly in Europe.

But, it’s believed that its origins are actually rooted in America. Although, there are many different accounts of events that led to this date, the one I hear most involves a tragic event which took place in a New York textile factory where a group of women workers went on strike to protest against the terrible conditions that they were working in.

It is said that during this protest, on March 8^th, the women were locked in the factory so they were unable to leave.  A tragic fire broke out killing 129 workers. Even though this tragedy took place in the late 1800s, it wasn’t until 1977 that the United Nations officially recognized this day of memorial dedicated to the hard work and obstacles women have had to overcome and still have to overcome even today.

As the years pass, I’ve noticed that Women’s Day is becoming more and more international and how it is celebrated varies from place to place.

For example in Italy, it is tradition to give the women in your life a sprig of the beautiful and bright yellow Mimosa flower. However, this festa has become quite commercialized and some people will give their wife, girlfriend, and the other important women in their lives actual gifts.

Commercialism aside, it’s really important to not lose sight of what this day represents for women. March 8th is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the women in our lives whether they are mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends, co-workers, etc.

This was my tribute to two women in my life who inspire me and who have helped me to grow and become the woman I am today, teaching me important life lessons along the way, perhaps without them even realizing it.

So, what can you do to celebrate this special day dedicated to women?

Well, in Italy, many women get together with their female friends for dinner in a restaurant. Many restaurants have special menus and prices for women who have decided to celebrate this way.

Also, many museums throughout the bel paese are offering free admission to female visitors.

Or perhaps you organize a homemade dinner or aperitivo.

Since moving to Italy, I’ve started my own tradition of making mimosa.

This cocktail is the perfect drink to prepare on Women’s Day because its colour resembles that of the mimosa flower from which it certainly got its name.

Not too mention they are so easy to make!

What you need:

Prosecco or Dry Sparkling Wine
Orange Juice (freshly squeezed is best)
Strawberries (to garnish)

What to do:

Fill half of a champagne flute with well-chilled prosecco.

Then fill the remainder of the flute with cold orange juice.

Top it off with a strawberry and you’re done!

Cin cin! 

Happy International Women’s Day!

Is there an important woman figure in your life?  Share your appreciation for her in the comments below!