passeggiata is Italian for the traditional stroll taken during the evening, either before or after dinner (I can't recall which, maybe both). The idea is that singles, couples, and whole families will dress up in their best clothes and stroll around the square, piazza or along the main drag, just to see and be seen. The same is true of Spain and Spanish-influenced countries. Apart from mere socialising, this is also an excellent way to check out potential future partners.

The equivalent in Australia, and I guess the USA, is to go wander around the nearest Mall. Which is my excuse to include this haiku that I wrote a while back:

Coffee at the Mall:
  Crappy passeggiata
Of track pants and bad hair.

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