Christmas in Italy is filled with regional traditions, festive foods, and beloved characters like La Befana. From the Feast of the Seven Fishes to Christmas markets and panettone, Italy offers some of the season’s most cherished celebrations.
On Christmas Eve, a ceremony takes place around the presepio, a nativity scene of Bethlehem.
Each of Italy’s 20 regions has its own culinary tradition for the cena della Vigilia, or Christmas Eve dinner.
🍽 Feast of the Seven Fishes
Every year in the U.S., many people celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Although it is unclear when the dinner became so popular, this celebration is considered one of the most Italian traditions. Typically, the family gathers around a feast of seven different seafood dishes, or one or two different types of fish prepared in seven different ways.
🍰 Panettone – A Holiday Treat
On Christmas Eve, when people return from church in Italy, it is also tradition to enjoy hot chocolate and a slice of panettone – a dry, fruity sponge cake.
🧹 La Befana – Italy’s New Year’s Gift-Giver
Lastly, instead of waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve, Italian children wait for La Befana on the eve of the Epiphany, January 5. The good-natured witch climbs down chimneys to fill good children’s socks with handmade gifts and treats.
According to legend, La Befana’s magic broom sweeps away the problems of the new year.
Buon Natale! Merry Christmas! >^..^<
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