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PhrasesMaking PlansFacciamo una grigliata nel weekend?
A2informal

Facciamo una grigliata nel weekend?

Shall we have a barbecue at the weekend?

Pronunciation

'Grigliata' = gri-GLIA-ta, stress on second syllable. 'Weekend' used as English loanword.

When to use it

Use this for a summer outdoor social plan. The 'grigliata' (Italian barbecue/grill) is a beloved summer tradition, particularly on Ferragosto (August 15th) and on summer weekends. It combines food, outdoor life, and extended social time.

What it means

'Fare una grigliata' (to have a grill/barbecue) — 'griglia' is the grill, 'grigliata' is the occasion. In Italian, the word refers more broadly to any grilled meat feast. 'Nel weekend' — the preposition 'nel' (in + il) is used with 'weekend' because it is treated as a masculine noun.

Variations

Chi ha il giardino tra di noi?

Who among us has a garden?

Practical question about suitable venue

Ognuno porta qualcosa da mettere sulla griglia.

Everyone brings something to put on the grill.

Collaborative grill — shared responsibility

Facciamo che io porto la carne e tu porti l'insalata.

Let's say I bring the meat and you bring the salad.

Division of responsibilities

Mini Dialogue

— Facciamo una grigliata nel weekend? — Buonissima idea! Da chi? — Ho il terrazzo grande. Posso organizzare io. — Perfetto! Quante persone? — Una decina. Ognuno porta qualcosa.

— Shall we have a barbecue at the weekend? — Wonderful idea! At whose place? — I have the big terrace. I can organise it. — Perfect! How many people? — About ten. Everyone brings something.

Cultural Note

Ferragosto (August 15th) is Italy's national holiday and the peak of summer celebrations. Grigliate are the quintessential Ferragosto activity — families and friend groups gather for afternoon-long barbecues featuring sausages ('salsicce'), lamb chops ('costolette'), and endless antipasto. The day traditionally ends late, with cold prosecco and fireworks.