ALGERIA

Tradisyon
Any fashion that is lucky enough to fall under the influence of
three civilizations are certain to be an extraordinary blend of style and
chic. Algeria sits at the crossroads of three worlds, Arab, Mediterranean
and African, and Algerian fashion has long been influenced by the fact
that its unique location has been a place of historic meetings and
exchanges.
Not surprisingly, Algerian designers have succeeded in combining the
culture traditions with the influence of the environment of the country.
These influences have found their way into the fashion industry and
have foreshadowed several changes in the choice of color, design and
pattern.
Women's costume in particular, successfully combines
flamboyance, utility and elegance. There is a strong emphasis on
intricate decoration and colors. The use of colorful fabrics for clothing
stands out against the predominant surrounding earth tones and the
Algerian woman has kept her love for color and brightly colored
patterns. Reds, yellows, greens and blues as well as many other color
combinations are combined and finely embroidered with gold and
silver
threads.
The Karakou is a typical traditional dress and incorporates a
velvet jacket embroidered in gold and silver worn with the traditional
saroual (Arab pants) and comes from Algiers, the capital of Algeria.
The Blousa from Tlemcen, West Algeria is a full-length, straight-cut
dress made entirely from lace and sequined chest. The Djeba Fergani
is the traditional dress from Constantine in the eastern side of the
country. This dress is always made with velvet and embroidered by
gold and silver thread. The sleeves can be made of lace. In the central
region of Tizi-ouzou, the dress is mainly made from cotton and is
completely embroidered at the neck and bodice as well as at the
wrists. However, it is at wedding and other special occasions that these
traditional dresses do justice to the affair. Distinctive jewelry is also
worn. The fact that these forms of traditional dresses are still used is a
tribute to its comfort and suitability for the climate. It also points to the
pride that Algerians take in the tradition of their ancestors and their
identity in the modern world.
Culture
Algeria is strongly influenced by its past and other aspects that
contribute to its diverse and fascinating culture. Algeria has a thriving
handicrafts industry. There is lot that the country has to offer to other

countries as well as to its tourists. Algeria produces goods from carpets

to ceramics, from leather to lute making, from pottery to glass working
to silverwork making it rich in its products.

ITALIAN CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

Sport
As with many European countries, football (soccer) is the most
popular sport in Italy. Other sports such as rugby and volleyball are
also enjoyed. In areas of Italy, where the Americans stayed during the
Second World War, there is a strong, although small, following of the
sport of baseball.

Music and Dance

In Italy, traditional music differs from region to region and is
heavily influenced by its historical past. In the northern region of Italy,
for example, music has strong Celtic influences, while the southern half
of the country has hints of Greek and Arabic influences. Most
traditional music is rich in religious meaning.[1]
Sardinia is known for its distinctive polyphonic style of chanting.
Similarly, the Sardinian launeddas or triple pipe, a triple clarinet like
woodwind instrument dating at least as far back as the 8 th century, has
a polyphonic sound and is played using circular breathing.
Sicily has a variety of associated styles of music with strong Christian
influences. Traditionally, the music of Sicily is recognized for its
devotional choir songs. The traditional instrument of Sicily is the flute.
Opera is a well-known form of music to come out of Italy
beginning as early as the 16th century in Venice.
Tarantella dance is commonly practiced in most parts of Italy with
regional differences. Tarantella is the name given to a group of folk
dances characterized by quick music and movements. The dance is
believed to have origins as a cure for spider venom. Tarantella can also
be a courtship dance and it is considered unlucky to dance tarantella
alone.