Bergamo’s people  are defined with this expression: “sóta la sènder, brasca”. Literally it means that "under the ashes there are embers", i.e. the Bergamaschi are introverse at appearance, but, once you know them, they are very sociable and large-hearted.

 

If you want to live a real Bergamasque experience you must:

• Learn some sentences in bergamasco like: “Dàm a trá”(listen to me).

• Add "POTA" to every sentence to emphasize the meaning.

• Eat “Polenta e osei” (polenta and birds), and “Casonsei”, which are typical dishes.

• Taste “stracciatella”, in the ice-cream parlor named “La Marianna” where it was invented.

• Go to the stadium to see Atalanta, the official Bergamo football team. If you stay in the “Curva Nord”, you will meet the most enthusiastic supporters.

• Listen to “Bepi” and  “Vava77”, because they are famous singers, who write funny songs.

• Climb to the Upper town using the funicular and enjoy the beautiful view.

• Walk along the Venetian Walls on Sundays, it’s a custom. People here are used to spend their Sundays outside enjoying the beautiful days and the marvelous landscapes.

• During Lent go to see the “Rasgamento della Vegia”, it’s a festival where an old witch  puppet is burnt to symbolize the worst of the year has passed.

• Last but not least, do what Bergamo’s grandmothers recommend: Touch the “balls” of Colleoni, on the gate of Colleoni's Chapel. It'll bring you good luck.