Every year, on October 1st, coffee enthusiasts around the world celebrate International Coffee Day, a day to appreciate one of the most popular beverages that transcends borders, cultures, and tastes. For millions, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual, a moment of connection, and a source of energy and comfort. But for some, coffee has also become a symbol of kindness, generosity, and the beautiful human tradition of paying it forward.
One of the most heartwarming customs associated with coffee comes from Naples, Italy, where the tradition of caffè sospeso—or “suspended coffee”—originated. This long-standing Neapolitan practice encourages patrons to buy a coffee for themselves and an extra one for someone in need, leaving it “suspended” at the café for a stranger to claim. This simple, yet profoundly generous act transforms coffee from a personal indulgence into a community gesture, reminding us that small deeds of kindness can have a ripple effect in society.
The Tradition of Caffè Sospeso
The origins of caffè sospeso are said to go back over a century, born from the working-class neighborhoods of Naples. During times of celebration or good fortune, patrons would pay for more coffees than they intended to consume, leaving the extras for those who couldn’t afford a cup. This custom became a way of sharing joy and goodwill with others, especially with those less fortunate, without any expectation of return.
The beauty of caffè sospeso lies in its simplicity. It’s a spontaneous and anonymous act of kindness. The person receiving the coffee may never meet the person who paid for it, but they are reminded that someone, somewhere, cared enough to brighten their day. This sense of solidarity and community spirit is what continues to keep the tradition alive in Naples and beyond, with cafés in many countries now adopting the practice.
Like International Coffee Day, Good Deeds Day highlights the idea that collective, everyday actions have the power to create lasting change. Whether it’s buying a suspended coffee, volunteering time to help a local cause, or simply offering a smile and a kind word to a stranger, every good deed contributes to the building of a more compassionate world.
Coffee, Kindness, and Community
International Coffee Day is a perfect occasion to reflect on how something as simple as a cup of coffee can be a vehicle for goodwill. The culture of coffee houses has long been associated with conversation, community, and intellectual exchange. But in Naples, it also reminds us of the importance of giving back—of using our daily routines to touch the lives of others.
As we celebrate the rich flavors and aromas of coffee on October 1st, it’s worth considering the many ways we can incorporate kindness into our daily lives. From paying it forward with a caffè sospeso to participating in Good Deeds Day, we can all make a difference, one cup—or one good deed—at a time.
In a world where the smallest gestures can mean the most, the tradition of caffè sospeso and the spirit of doing good deeds serve as powerful reminders of our shared humanity and the impact we can have on one another. So, the next time you enjoy your morning brew, why not pass along a little bit of kindness too? After all, a single act of generosity can warm hearts, foster connection, and, in its own small way, make the world a better place.
International Coffee Day and the Neapolitan custom of caffè sospeso teach us that even in the routine and everyday moments, we can find opportunities to do good. Whether it’s buying an extra coffee for someone in need or participating in broader efforts like Good Deeds Day, these acts of kindness remind us of the simple truth: kindness, like coffee, is something that should be shared generously.
Good Deeds Day, an annual global day of doing good, is the pinnacle of doing good year-round. Good Deeds Day has grown to 115 countries with millions of participants. Good Deeds Day 2025 will take place on April 6.
