Every year on December 10th, Suspended Coffee Day is celebrated, an initiative launched in 2010 by the Suspended Coffee Network and other associations. Offering a coffee in this way is a gesture of kindness shared by nine out of ten Italians, who see it as a small gesture of consideration for others.
Origins of the Suspended Coffee
The practice of “suspended coffee” dates back to World War II in Naples, where, in the bars of the Campania capital, those who could afford it would leave a paid coffee for those who could not afford it. This gesture of solidarity was born in a period of deprivation and sacrifice and has evolved over time.
Global Expansion
Today, the suspended coffee has crossed national borders and spread globally: we find it as “suspended coffee” in the United States and the United Kingdom, “cafè pendiente” in countries such as Spain and Argentina, “cafè suspendu” in Belgium and “Uppskjuten” in Sweden. According to Michele Monzini, president of the Consorzio Promozione Caffè, “offering a coffee shows attention, affection and care towards others,” thus becoming a universal symbol of generosity.
Tradition in Italy
The importance of this tradition in Italy was confirmed by the survey “Se è italiano… si sente! – Gli Italiani e il Caffè”, conducted by AstraRicerche. The data show that 91,2% of those interviewed consider coffee a symbol of kindness and creation of social bonds. This simple gesture is seen as a way to bring comfort and hope into the lives of those going through difficult times, spreading a message of closeness and solidarity that from the heart of Naples has been able to reach different cultures and continents.
In short
Every year, on December 10, we celebrate the Suspended Coffee Day, an initiative born in 2010 thanks to the Suspended Coffee Network and other associations.
- Offering a coffee in this way is a gesture of kindness common among nine out of ten Italians, who see in…
- Origins of the Suspended Coffee The practice of "suspended coffee" dates back to the Second World War in Naples, where, in the bars of…
- This gesture of solidarity was born in a time of hardship and sacrifice and has evolved over time.
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
Every year, on December 10, we celebrate the Suspended Coffee Day, an initiative born in 2010 thanks to the Suspended Coffee Network and other associations.
Why is this news relevant?
Offering a coffee in this way is a gesture of kindness common among nine out of ten Italians, who see in…
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
Origins of the Suspended Coffee The practice of "suspended coffee" dates back to the Second World War in Naples, where, in the bars of the Campania capital, those who could…









It's nice to see that the suspended coffee is still a living tradition in Italy. Even though it's not always easy to offer one, this gesture can bring a little joy to those in need. We hope it continues to spread around the world.