Ringing in Capodanno: the Complete Hour-by-Hour Guide to New Year's Eve in Rome
By Sarah Jenkins
The most common and immediate greeting heard across Italy is Buon Anno (pronounced bwon AHN-noh). It translates literally to "Good Year" and functions as the universal catch-all between friends, shopkeepers, and passing strangers on the street. When you clink glasses at midnight, shouting "Buon Anno a tutti!" covers the entire room instantly.
For written correspondence, holiday cards, or when greeting older hosts and professionals, Felice Anno Nuovo (pronounced feh-LEE-cheh AHN-noh NWO-voh) steps in. This matches the literal English "Happy New Year." Italians also rely heavily on the umbrella phrase Auguri di buon anno, which translates to "Best wishes for a good year." If someone simply says "Auguri!" to you on December 31, return the gesture immediately by replying "Altrettanto!" ("Likewise!") or "Grazie, anche a te!" ("Thank you, you too!").
Professional relationships demand Italian formal holiday wishes. When addressing clients, hotel directors, or senior contacts, use "Le auguro un felice e prospero anno nuovo" ("I wish you a happy and prosperous new year"). Getting Italian New Year pronunciation right hinges on rolling the double 'n' in anno; clipping it too short alters the word's meaning into an embarrassing anatomical slip that locals love to catch tourists making.
Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.
