March 25th Is Dantedì: Celebrate Dante and the Italian Language
March 25 is Italy’s National Day dedicated to Dante Alighieri, known as Dantedì. According to scholars, this is the date in the year 1300 when Dante began his journey in the Divine Comedy, famously getting lost in a dark forest (selva oscura). It’s also the perfect occasion to celebrate the Italian language and to discover how culture, literature and everyday expressions are deeply connected.
Established in 2020 by Italy’s Ministry of Culture, Dantedì honors the Supreme Poet and his extraordinary impact on Italian language and literature. Even today, Dante still shapes the way Italians speak, write and express emotions. For anyone who wants to truly understand the language, this day is a reminder that learning Italian also means exploring its cultural roots.
Dantedì 2026 is particularly meaningful this year, as it is also connected to celebrations dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. Dante admired Saint Francis deeply and described him in the Divine Comedy as a symbol of humility, spiritual strength and harmony with nature.
This connection highlights how Italian culture is built on a rich dialogue between literature, spirituality and history. From Dante to Saint Francis, Italy offers a unique cultural heritage that continues to inspire language, values and identity today.
In Milan, Dantedì 2026 is being celebrated with a rich calendar of events dedicated to Dante and his legacy. This year’s initiatives include lectures on the relationship between Dante and Saint Francis, as well as readings and performances inspired by the Divine Comedy.
Among the events announced in the city are cultural appointments at the Museo di Sant’Eustorgio and the Cappella Portinari, together with other initiatives that bring together poetry, music and reflection. For anyone who wants to learn Italian in Milan, Dantedì is also a wonderful opportunity to discover the language through real cultural experiences.
Did you know that many popular Italian phrases were actually coined by Dante?
Let’s explore a few expressions from the Divine Comedy that Italians still use today – often without realizing their origin. And if you want to experience the language where it truly lives, this is also one more reason to learn Italian in Milan and immerse yourself in authentic Italian culture.
Learn Italian in Milan Through Dante: Timeless Expressions from the Divine Comedy
Study Italian with Dante: “Stai fresco! Stiamo freschi!”
This phrase is often used ironically to say “Well, we’re doomed!” or “This will end badly!”. It originates from Dante’s description of the ninth circle of Hell: the frozen lake of Cocytus (Cocito), where traitors were condemned to eternal cold.
Today, “stiamo freschi” is used more playfully, but in Dante’s time, it was literally about freezing in Hell.
Improve your Italian with Dante: “Il bel Paese”
A poetic nickname for Italy, meaning “the beautiful country”. Dante used it in the Divine Comedy to refer to Italy as “il bel paese là dove ’l sì suona” – “the beautiful country where the word ‘yes’ is spoken”.
Even today, Italians (and many foreigners) refer to Italy as il Bel Paese, celebrating its language, landscapes, cuisine, and culture.
Learn Italian with Dante: “Galeotto fu…”
One of the most iconic expressions in Italian literature: “Galeotto fu il libro” (The book was the go-between). It appears in Canto V of the Inferno, during Francesca’s tragic love story with Paolo.
The two lovers kiss for the first time while reading about Lancelot and Guinevere. The book plays the role of Galeotto, a character who encourages love in medieval romance. This expression is still used to indicate something that triggers or facilitates a romantic or forbidden relationship.
Explore Italian with Dante: “Senza infamia e senza lode”
Literally “Without blame and without praise”, this phrase is used today to describe something average or unremarkable: not bad, but not great either.
But for Dante, in Canto III of the Inferno, it was a strong judgment. He used it to describe the ignavi – those who lived without taking a stand, without passion, without choosing good or evil.
Italian expressions by Dante: “Non mi tange”
This elegant expression means “It doesn’t concern me” or “It doesn’t affect me at all.” Dante uses it in Canto II of the Inferno, where Beatrice tells Virgil that human suffering does not touch her, protected by divine grace.
Today, non mi tange is used to express emotional detachment or indifference.
Study Italian Through Culture in Milan
At Il Centro, we believe that the best way to learn a language is through the culture that shaped it. That’s why Dantedì is more than a celebration: it’s a perfect example of how literature, history and everyday language come together. If you want to learn Italian in Milan, studying authors like Dante can make your experience deeper, more meaningful and more memorable.
As an Italian language school in Milan, we offer immersive lessons based on real communication, authentic materials and cultural context. From Dante to contemporary Italy, every lesson helps you understand how Italian is truly used in everyday life.
Whether you want to join group courses, take individual lessons, follow an intensive course, an evening course, or online lessons, we offer Italian programs for all levels in the heart of Milan.
👉 Discover our courses and learn Italian in Milan with full cultural immersion
Photo credits: Giovanni Garattoni