What are the Holidays Like in Italy?
Italy, a country renowned for its rich history and cultural vibrancy, is equally celebrated for its magical holiday traditions. With our roots deep in such a beautiful country, we often get asked what are the holidays like in Italy.
The festive season in Italy is a time to honor cherished customs that have been passed down through generations. From the tantalizing aromas of Christmas delicacies to the magical ambiance of Epiphany celebrations, here’s a glimpse into the most beloved Italian holiday traditions.
What are the Holidays Like in Italy?
Advent and the Start of Festivities
The Italian holiday season kicks off with something you may know well – Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Many families set up an Advent calendar or light an Advent wreath with four candles, one for each week. Cities and towns come alive with Christmas markets (Mercatini di Natale), selling handmade crafts, festive decorations, and local delicacies.
One of the most iconic traditions during this time is the creation of a Nativity scene (Presepe). These intricate displays often include detailed figurines and settings, depicting the birth of Jesus. In some regions, particularly Naples, artisans craft these masterpieces with astonishing detail.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th)
When it comes to what the holidays are like in Italy, you have to know that they come a little early. December 8th marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a national holiday. It’s sort of like Thanksgiving in the sense that it marks the official start of the holiday season, aka when everyone starts decorating! Those who are religious will attend Church, hosting special services, while towns especially in the south will put on parades and celebrations to honor the Virgin Mary.
La Vigilia: The Christmas Eve Feast
On Christmas Eve, Italians gather for La Vigilia. While the specific dishes vary by region, the focus is on seafood, a nod to the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat. However, The Feast of the Seven Fishes is not a thing in Italy. This tradition was invented in the States by Italian immigrants. Still, Christmas Eve is full of fish dishes like baccalà (salted cod), fried calamari, spaghetti alle vongole (clams), and other delicacies – which often vary my location.
Christmas Day and Beyond
Christmas Day, or Natale, is like anywhere – everyone gets together to eat and celebrate. A typical menu might include lasagna, roasted meats, and panettone or pandoro for dessert.
However, the Italian holiday season doesn’t end there! December 26th, St. Stephen’s Day, is another national holiday where Italians usually take strolls with friends and family, especially those they didn’t see on Christmas. It’s also when businesses begin to open back up, making for an ideal day to get outside and buy any last-minute gifts – or return some!
New Year’s Eve: La Notte di San Silvestro
New Year’s Eve, or La Notte di San Silvestro, is just like in America – celebrated with an abundance of food, drink, and fireworks. But naturally, Italians have a particular food tradition for New Year’s Eve dish – cotechino e lenticchie (a pork sausage served with lentils). Eating this dish will ensure you good fortune in the New Year.
Epiphany and La Befana
The holiday season is longer in Italy and officially concludes with Epiphany on January 6th – though people do return to work before this. This day commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. It is also when La Befana, a kind-hearted witch, visits children to deliver sweets and small gifts to those who have been good (or coal for the naughty).
According to legend, La Befana was invited by the Wise Men to join them on their journey but declined. Later, realizing her mistake, she flew on her broomstick in search of the Christ child, leaving gifts for children along the way. The story embodies themes of generosity and repentance.
Many Italians simply refer to the holiday as La Befana rather than the Epifania (Epiphany).
Remember – Italy is very regional!
Remember – Italy is a very culturally diverse place, defined by regions with very unique histories. So there are plenty of other Italian holiday traditions that are unique to certain places. For example – in Venice, locals gather for a traditional Regatta on the Grand Canal during Epiphany. Or, in Sicily, the holidays are marked by elaborate nativity displays and many many sweets – like buccellati, a delicious glazed cookie.
Hope you enjoyed this answer to what are the holidays like in Italy. Wishing everyone a happy holiday season – buone feste as they say in Italy!
And if you can’t get to Italy this year – don’t be shy to visit Domenico Osteria & Tasting Room for an authentic and cozy winter Italian meal.
