Naples, Italy has a tradition of giving back called caffè sospeso, or, the suspended coffee. Those buying an espresso from a cafe can buy two one for them and one for someone who comes in later without the means to buy one. This act of giving back has long been a tradition in Italy and has only spread because of COVID. No longer are there just suspended coffees, there are now suspended baskets, filled with food for those in need.
in true neapolitan style, he wants to explain how it works over a coffee. the captain orders three coffees for the two of us. i figured he just really likes coffee. but paying for one extra is actually a hugely important tradition here in naples. it s called suspended coffee and when a person in need shows up, the coffee-seller gives them a free drink that their fellow citizen paid for earlier. cheers. that s nice. the people of naples have unofficial ways of helping each other out that go back centuries.
[upbeat piano music] [upbeat piano music] [upbeat piano music] [police sirens] so, this isn t what it looks like. let me explain. in this city, it sometimes seems like everyone s making up their own rules, but somehow the place hangs together. i m meeting the man who tries to keep some order here. chief of the municipal police, captain capuano. in true neapolitan style, he wants to explain how it works over a coffee. the captain orders three coffees
for the two of us. i figured he just really likes coffee. but paying for one extra is actually a hugely important tradition here in naples it s called suspended coffee and when a person in need shows up, the coffee-seller gives them a free drink that their fellow citizen paid for earlier. cheers. that s nice. the people of naples have unofficial ways of helping each other out that go back centuries. they suspend essentials like coffee, food and even toys for families that can t afford them. campania is the second-poorest region in italy and community help is the only safety net some people have. when that fails, the powerful neapolitan mafia, here known as the camorra, is only too ready