Liguria, this thin slice of land compressed between the mountains and the sea, is a place of contrasts and peculiarities that make it unique.
It is not easy to be Ligurian, and even less to understand them, but this is precisely what makes Liguria a source of pride for its inhabitants.
And if you are of Ligurian origin, or know some Ligurians, you will know what I am talking about.
If you’re not, well, get ready for an ironic and truthful journey through the differences that make this region so special compared to the rest of Italy.

Liguria and the Sea: Love and Hate

In Liguria, the sea is a constant presence, a breathtaking view that inspires poetry and postcards.
Yet, the Ligurians are perhaps the least inclined to fully enjoy it.
While in other Italian regions the sea is synonymous with parties and socialization, here the sea is a place to look at with respect and keep at a distance; Legacy of centuries of sacrifices that have transformed a people of mountaineers into expert navigators at the cost of shipwrecks, losses and escaped dangers.
And even when it comes to entertainment, it’s better not to overdo it.
You go to the beach from June, when the water reaches an acceptable temperature.
If you dare to swim first, the risk is to be labeled as a tourist (and for a Ligurian, this is one of the worst offenses).
The watchword is “moderation”: no spectacular dives, no exaggerated tans.
And remember, in Liguria, the living space on the beach is a serious matter: you pay dearly, even in terms of severe looks if you dare to invade that of others.

Ligurian Cuisine: The Sobriety that Conquers

Ligurian cuisine is the perfect expression of the thrifty soul of the region.
In an Italy where abundance and gastronomic opulence are the norm, Ligurians stand out for their sobriety.
Quick cooking and a drizzle of olive oil (strictly PDO) are enough to sum up the essence of a dish.
Pesto is worshipped as a deity and woe betide anyone who dares to put cream in it: it would be a sacrilege.
And don’t be fooled by portions that seem modest; Each bite is designed to be savored calmly, as an ode to simplicity.

Ligurian and Hospitality: A Matter of Personality

If in other parts of Italy hospitality is an art, in Liguria it is… let’s say, a relative concept.
Don’t get me wrong, Ligurians know how to be kind, but in their own way.
Don’t expect hugs and kisses from strangers.
The Ligurian has a more detached approach: he welcomes you with half-open arms, but with an eye to your intrusiveness.
It may seem cold, but it is just caution.
Ligurian mistrust is nothing more than an endurance test: if you pass the exam, you could find a friend for life, or at least someone who offers you a glass of rinse.

Ligurian and Language: Counted Words

Communication in Liguria is an essential art. Why use five words when one is enough? The Ligurian dialect, with its elongated “u” and guttural sounds, is a hymn to verbal economy. In a world where words fly away quickly, the Ligurian speaks little, but listens a lot. And if he tells you that it’s “benin” (well), rest assured that everything is great. After all, the true Ligurian never complains… at least not out loud!

Geography: A Privilege and a Condemnation

Liguria is famous for its houses perched on the mountains, narrow alleys and terraces overlooking the sea.
This geographical conformation has created a resistant population, accustomed to going up and down without breathing (or almost).
While in other regions of Italy people complain about traffic, here the real enemy is the slope.
But it is precisely thanks to this that the Ligurians boast one of the best physical resistances in the peninsula: a walk from Corniglia to Vernazza could test anyone, but for a Ligurian it is only a daily workout.

Ligurian Pride: A Matter of Style

Being Ligurian means having a lifestyle that balances between thrift and pride.
While the rest of Italy basks in his dolce vita, the Ligurian observes, smiles under his mustache, and continues to do things his way.
Because after all, who else can say they live in a region that has it all: sea, mountains, refined cuisine, millenary history, and that privacy that is synonymous with an elegance of yesteryear?

Being Ligurian is a privilege and a trademark.
And this is precisely what makes Liguria a great little source of pride for those lucky enough to call it home or to look for their family origins here.
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