I had a wonderful time chatting with my friend Salvatore Isola from Venice, Italy. We weighed in the cultural differences between Italy and Puerto Rico. Venice is standing in a lagoon just barely above the water line, it consists of 117 islands and over 400 bridges that cross its around 150 canals connected to the city. Venice is small and compact, and the traffic-free streets (no vehicles allowed) along the winding canals are great for walking and sight-seeing. Salvatore told how he has not obtained his license his license.
Puerto Rico is an island and has a different climate compared to Venice. Puerto Rico is a tropical island, therefore, it feels like summer all year round. In Puerto Rico, the average temperature high of 89°F and during the summer and a low of 70°F. Venice has a humid, subtropical and Mediterranean climate with hot and humid summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures during peak summer months rise to 82°F while average low temperatures drop to 32°F during peak winter. I had a great time speaking to Salvatore Isola and learned so much about him that I could relate to even though we came from the opposite side of the globe.
Food is another way to express patriotism for one’s country.
Venice
(Photo credit: Gialozzafferano)
Sarde in saor is an agrodolce or sweet-sour dish is definitely one of Sal’s favorite dish. Consisting of fried sardine fillets marinated in vinegar, onions, raisins and pine nuts.
(Photo credit: Gialozzafferano)
Baccala mantecato or creamed dried cod is prepared by soaking, poaching and blending the fish into a smooth mousse seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper.
(Photo credit:Gialozzafferano)
Rice is the other commonly grown staple in the Veneto region and is one of the dishes Sal and I enjoyed together. Few dishes are more Venetian than this seafood-based risotto with the distinct briny flavor of its squid, wine, onion, tomato and ink braise. In Puerto Rico, I love mofongo, coquito, which is a coconut-based alcoholic beverage similar to eggnog, arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon beans), and my favorite candy is dulce de coco blanco (white coconut) from the maker “el jíbaro” (hillbilly).
Puerto Rico
Tostones are popular across the island of Puerto Rico. There served as appetizers or as a side with a main dish. This dish is made by thinly slicing plantains, coating them in a batter, and frying them. Tostones pair perfectly with mayo ketchup, a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup
Alcapurrias are made with yucca and plantains, alcapurrias are fritters filled with ground beef. They are similar to corndogs in America, but I believe they’re more delicious.
Puerto Rican empanadillas are savory fried pastries traditionally filled with ground beef, although now one can find them stuffed with chicken as well.
The Gondola is a traditional rowing boat in Venice and one of the most charming and romantic ways of spending one’s time in the city. The gondola ride is believed to bring closeness to newly-weds who are about to start their new life together. Gondoliers are usually good singers and frequently sing while the gondola glides along the canal.
Both Venice and Puerto Rico have a festival that involves masks.
The tradition of the mask started in the 13th century when Venetians would hold celebrations and parties from December 26th until the start of Lent and wear elaborate masks to conceal their identity. These parties were the only time when the lower and upper classes mingle and interact. together. Aristocrats and peasants, disguised by their masks, played out their fantasies together. They indulged in illegal activities like gambling, political assassination, and dancing and partying the night away. Nowadays, approximately 3 million visitors come to Venice every year for the Carnival celebration, and one of the most important events is the contest for the best mask.
Puerto Rico’s Vejigante dress
According to The National Museum of American History, the vejigante is a demon figure from medieval Spanish folklore that has become a staple of Puerto Rican Carnival culture. During Carnival festivals, the vejigante dress in a horned mask called a cartera, and flowing costume to join the crowds in singing and dancing. The cartera masks are a cultural symbol of Puerto Rico. The masks are typically made in the cities of Ponce and Loiza for use in carnival celebrations and purchased as home decoration by tourists.
I never actually considered sardines to be appetizing but after you picture of the sardine dish, I might consider eating it. I am also very exited becuase my family is planning a trip to venice this summer. Your post will really come in handy when my family begins to plan. I am especially exited for the Gondola ride.
I really found the similarities in the mask festivals very interesting as I cannot think of anything comparable in American culture but it seems to be something very common to Latin American countries, Spain, Italy (cask of amontillado), and France (mardi gras).