The most popular sport in Italy was football, otherwise known as soccer. Italians also enjoyed some other sports like rugby and volleyball. Music and dance in Italy shows lots of historical past about the culture. The southern half of Italy has some Greek and Arabic influences mixed into Italian music. The most traditional music was the more religious genres. In the early 16th century, in Venice, Italy opera was a very popular genre. Tarantella, a type of Italian dance, was the most common dance in most parts of Italy. The dance is believed to have origins as a cure for spider venom! Tarantella is a dance that is recommended not to dance alone. Some holidays/celebrations Italians celebrate are New Years day, Christmas, Labor Day, Liberation Day, Feast of the Assumption or Ferragosto, St.Stephen's day and many more!