(ZENIT News / Rome, 11.30.2024).- Marriage in Italy is becoming increasingly rare, as recent ISTAT data reveals a continued decline in weddings. In 2023, 184,207 marriages were celebrated, a 2.6% drop compared to the previous year. The downward trend is even sharper in 2024, with the first eight months showing a 6.7% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.
Amid this decline, a noteworthy statistic emerges: 16.1% of marriages in 2023 involved at least one foreign spouse, highlighting the growing multicultural fabric of Italian unions.
The Changing Landscape of Italian Marriages
Italy’s marital trends are shaped by a combination of historical, cultural, and economic factors. A look back reveals pivotal moments in the country’s wedding history:
- The Millennium Surge: A spike in marriages in 2000 was attributed to couples eager to begin the new millennium with a union.
- Economic and Legal Barriers: The global financial crisis of 2008 and restrictive immigration laws in the late 2000s saw a sharp drop in weddings, particularly among foreign nationals.
- The Pandemic Impact: In 2020, COVID-19 halved the number of marriages. This was followed by a temporary surge in 2021 and 2022 as postponed ceremonies were rescheduled.
Civil Ceremonies Rise, Religious Weddings Decline
A significant cultural shift is evident in the choice of ceremony. Civil weddings accounted for 58.9% of all marriages in 2023, continuing a decades-long trend. Compare this to 1990, when religious weddings made up 83.2% of unions; by 2010, that number had dropped to 63.5%.
Religious marriages saw an 8.2% decline in 2023 alone, underscoring the waning influence of tradition and religious institutions in shaping modern marital choices.
Fewer Divorces and Separations
Interestingly, as marriages decline, so do divorces and separations. In 2023, separations fell by 8.4% compared to the previous year, totaling 82,392. Divorces also dropped to 79,875—a 3.3% decrease from 2022 and a dramatic 19.4% drop from their peak in 2016.
Why Are Italians Marrying Less?
The reasons behind this shift are complex, rooted in changing societal values and demographics:
- The Rise of Cohabitation: The number of cohabiting couples has more than tripled since the early 2000s, surpassing 1.6 million in 2023. For many, living together has become a preferred alternative to marriage.
- Demographic Winter: Italy’s aging population and low birth rate mean fewer individuals of marrying age. With marriage often tied to plans for children, this demographic shift significantly impacts the institution.
- Extended Youth Dependence: Over 61% of Italians under 35 still live with their parents, delaying or abandoning traditional milestones like marriage in favor of financial and personal stability.
The Road Ahead
As Italy grapples with these trends, the institution of marriage is undergoing a profound transformation. Whether driven by cultural shifts, economic pressures, or demographic realities, the decline in weddings underscores a society in flux—where traditional unions are giving way to new forms of partnership and family.
For a country steeped in romantic ideals and rich matrimonial traditions, these changes invite reflection on the evolving meaning of love, commitment, and connection in contemporary Italy.
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