What is a bunga bunga party? Inside Silvio Berlusconi’s infamous gatherings

The death of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has sparked various looks back on his political career and legacy.

Berlusconi’s time in power was marked by various scandals, including infamous sex parties held by the politician.

These parties reportedly included orgies, skinny dipping, and stripteases, with the Prime Minister choosing various women to have sexual relations with.

Over time, the term “bunga bunga party” was used to refer to them. But how did this start and where did it come from?

What is a bunga bunga party?

Originally simply a lighthearted term for dating that originated in Australia in the 1800s, it’s believed that bunga bunga was first taught to Berlusconi by none other than Muammar al-Gaddafi.

The term was then adopted by the Italian media, somewhat as a joke, and frequently quoted in both Italian and international press in the run-up to the 2011 child exploitation investigation into Berlusconi.

It then acquired its unique meaning of "an orgy involving prostitutes and a powerful leader".

In Italy in 2010, the term had become a household phrase to refer to the ongoing scandals.

While exact definitions couldn’t be agreed on, it was generally thought to refer to sexual exploits of a debauched nature.

In addition, an ex-lover of the Italian Prime Minister, Sabina Began, claimed that the phrase was a nickname based on her surname and that she had actually organised the parties herself.

Looking back, the bunga bunga culture went on to spark a social movement called “Se Non Ora, Quando” in 2011, which included street protests against Berlusconi’s actions.

The phrase has also made it into pop culture, including various songs, TV shows, and even Daniel Craig’s James Bond using the phrase "SPECTRE's Bonga Bunga" while attending a risque party in Cuba filled with SPECTRE agents.