YOUNGSTERS ARE BORN TO BE HAPPY!

ITALY

Of all European countries, Italy is perhaps the hardest to classify. It is a modern, industrialized nation. It is the harbinger of style, its designers leading the way with each season's fashions. But it is also, to an equal degree, a Mediterranean country, with all that that implies. In towns and villages all over the country, life grinds to a halt in the middle of the day for a siesta, and is strongly family-oriented, with an emphasis on the traditions.

It consistently ranks as one of the most appealing destinations for the average international tourist. Italy is a beautiful country, full of interesting things for all ages.

If there is a single national characteristic, it's to embrace life to the full: in the hundreds of local festivals taking place across the country on any given day, to celebrate a saint or the local harvest; in the importance placed on good food; in the obsession with clothes and image; and above all in the daily domestic ritual of the collective evening stroll or passeggiata - a sociable affair celebrated by young and old alike in every town and village across the country.

NAPLES

Naples is the largest city in south Italy and one of the most beautiful, particularly around the Bay of Naples. The capital city of Campania, Naples is a sprawling metropolis that was founded by Greeks, enlarged by Romans and as a result is rich in history and stunning architecture. There are so many wonderful places to see in Naples that there is sure something for everyone. It is considered the hub for visiting all of Southern Italy. Beautifully situated on the Bay of Naples, the vibrant city is close to Pompeii, Paestum, the Amalphi Coast, and other Italian attractions.

THE MEDITERRANEAN YOUTH MEETING

The most asked meeting AECS organises in Italy is the Mediterranean Youth Meeting where during the summer boys and girls gather coming from the countries of the Mediterranean: Gibraltar, Spain, France, Montecarlo, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta etc.

Each year from 10th to 25th July around 160 youngsters spend 15 days holidays in Naples enjoying very enriching cultural and social programs.

The purposes of these meetings are to allow youngsters from different cultures to dialogue, play and have fun together, that is why the slogan of this meeting is “Youngsters are born to be happy” thus contributing to strengthen friendships, solidarity and tolerance among States.

Youngsters share common passions such as: theatre, music, cooking, with the aim of spreading all this when they come back home; additionally, they will know the beauties of Naples, the Italian way of life, the Italian songs and the Italian history.

In a few words, the theme of all the meetings in Italy is peace…