Italians appreciate the hard work of Ukrainians and are captivated by the beauty and grooming of Ukrainian women, although such assessments often seem overly generalized. The Ukrainian diaspora in Italy confidently shapes a positive image of their country, opening new opportunities to get acquainted with traditions and national characteristics.
This is reported by Finway
How Italians Perceive Ukrainians and Their Culture
Mykola Oleksiv, a Ukrainian restaurateur who realized his dream and opened a venue in Rome, shared his impressions of the integration of Ukrainians into the local community. According to the businessman, Italians have begun to better understand Ukrainians, showing interest not only in news but also in personal stories and national traditions. Ukrainian holidays, particularly Christmas with its 12 dishes, embroidered shirts, and carols, are becoming well-known. Restaurant guests are curious to learn about the meanings of symbols and the history of dishes, while the sincerity and hospitality of Ukrainians evoke genuine admiration, as these traits are also close to Italian culture.
“Italians have discovered that Ukrainians are not just ‘people from Eastern Europe’, but a nation with a rich culture”.
Mentality and Stereotypes: Differences and Common Ground
According to Mykola, Italians live at a calmer pace, value enjoying the moment, and see lunch or coffee as a true ritual. Ukrainians, on the other hand, are more results-oriented and focused on speed. Among the differences is also the balance between work and leisure: Italians work to live, not live to work, and this is noticeable even in small things – from lengthy dinners to traditional family Sundays.
Among the stereotypes about Ukrainians, the most common remain notions of hard work, responsibility, as well as the beauty and grooming of Ukrainian women. However, outdated ideas persist that Ukrainians mainly come for physical labor. Yet the situation is rapidly changing: more and more Ukrainians are starting their own businesses and working in creative fields. Each year, Italians are better able to distinguish between Ukrainians and Russians, which contributes to the formation of a distinct positive image of the Ukrainian community.
Italians pay special attention to Ukrainian dishes. The most beloved is borscht, which impresses with its deep flavor and complexity, as well as varenyky – mostly with potatoes or cherries, which remind Italians of their own ravioli. Dishes from Ukrainian cuisine are becoming not only a gastronomic discovery but also a reason for deeper acquaintance with the culture.
At the “Anastasia” restaurant near the Colosseum, a diverse menu is presented: borscht, varenyky, chicken Kyiv, deruny, holodets. The assortment includes about 35 items with plans for further expansion. The opening of the venue was attended by prominent figures from the Ukrainian diplomatic and cultural community, including Andriy Yurash, Vasyl Popadyuk, and Oleksiy Povteryko.
Rome has become the city where Mykola Oleksiv’s dream is realized – it has a large Ukrainian diaspora and many opportunities for promoting national cuisine and culture. Italian bloggers are also actively comparing the mentalities of Ukrainians and Italians, discussing adaptation and differences in lifestyle. Ukrainian women who have moved to Italy share their experiences on social media, talking about finding new opportunities and the peculiarities of integrating into Italian society.