Ciao a tutti!
We are often asked whether it's true that Italians tend to stare. Here is a fact and our perspective.
By the numbers Italy is approximately 1-3% black and other minorities.
So what's with the staring? There may be various reasons, and here are two:
Because of the percentages listed above, as a person of color you may solicit some curiosity as locals try to collocate your origins.
Daily wear tends to be a sober combination of elegance and simplicity, so anyone that dresses alternatively may draw extra attention.
We suggest, in order to feel a little more in tune with the environment, pick comfortable clothes and shoes (walking is part of the culture), throughout most of your daily sight-seeing and excursions. Then when the "occasion" warrants feel free to express your highest fashion sense. In all situations, with anyone, anywhere, regardless of background, clothing that reveals too much does lengthen the gaze.
We'll be back with more.....