Figure 1.--Seaside holidays became very popular in Italy during the 1960s. People that lived near the coast could go in the morning to the seaside and go back home in the evening. It was a cheap holiday. The people needed only a swimming suit and the children could also wear shorts or underwear. The photo shows the Vavoso family on the beach near Naples.

We note Italians enjoying beaches and the sea in the late-19th century. This appears to be primarily two groups. The first were local people living in seaside communities. There were also beach resorts enjoyed by wealty Italians and foreigners. The fashion preference for light complexions discouraged sun tans, but the air and water was seen as healthy. Gradually in the 20th century, sun shine also began to be seen as healthy. The interest of Italians in beaches began to change somewhat during the Fascist era. A factor here may have been the summer camps set up by the Government and labor unions in seaside sites for children. After the War as economix conditions improved, an increasing number of Italiansd began to enjoy sea side outings. As no Italian city is very far from the sea, day trips could be done at very modest expense .People that lived near the coast could go in the morning to the seaside and go back home in the evening. It was a cheap holiday. The people needed only a swimming suit and the children could use short pants or even underwear.

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Created: 9:25 AM 9/30/2010
Last updated: 9:25 AM 9/30/2010