What Italians Eat on New Year’s for Good Luck
In Italy, the New Year’s Eve dinner, known as cenone di Capodanno, is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural celebration brimming with symbolism, tradition, and naturally delicious food. From hearty dishes to sweet treats, every item on the menu is carefully chosen to welcome the new year with luck, prosperity, and abundance. Let’s take a closer look at what Italians eat on New Year’s for good luck!
Lentils (Lenticchie)
When it comes to what Italians eat on New Year’s for good luck, lentils are the star of the New Year’s show. Their round, coin-like shape symbolizes wealth and prosperity since back in Ancient Roman times. Lentils are often simmered with soffrito, a mixture of sauteed onions, carrots, and celery for a flavorful stew. They say you should eat a spoonful of lentils when the clock strikes 12 for luck in the New Year!
Cotechino and Zampone
No Italian New Year’s celebration is complete without these iconic pork dishes. Pork symbolizes progress and abundance because pigs root forward when searching for food, a hopeful gesture for the year ahead.
Cotechino is a large, spiced pork sausage originating for the Emilia Romagna region, though many eat the dish all around Italy these days. It’s often sold pre-cooked. Either way, it’s served boiled and sliced. You can also opt for the less popular but equally iconic pork dish Zampone which is a stuffed pig’s trotter, considered a delicacy. Each is typically served on top of lentils for a double whammy of good luck in the New Year.
Grapes
In many parts of Italy, it’s customary to eat grapes (uve) at midnight. The tradition stems from the belief that those who eat grapes in moderation will have a year of frugality and prosperity. The grapes are often served fresh in bowls or incorporated into festive fruit platters. Some say that you should eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck in the new year.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates (melograni) hold a special place in Italian New Year traditions in many parts of Italy. Their vibrant seeds symbolize fertility, abundance, and good fortune. You can eat the pomegranate alone, though many opt to add the pomegranate seeds to salads or desserts. The fruit juice is sometimes used in cocktails or sauces for a festive twist.
Spumante (Sparkling wine)
Perhaps the international symbol of New Year’s, a good brindisi or toast with sparkling wine is a staple in Italy. Italians typically choose a spumante like prosecco. Some opt for more elegant varieties like Franciacorta or Trento DOC. These bubbly beverages signify joy and celebration, perfectly setting the tone for the year ahead. These choices may vary regionally – as Italy produces quite a variety of sparkling wines. Either way, it’s a key pairing to what Italians eat on New Year’s for good luck.
Panettone and Pandoro
Desserts are a highlight of the Italian New Year’s table, with panettone and pandoro taking center stage. These two desserts aren’t just limited to Christmas celebrations. Panettone – the Milanese treat is a dome-shaped sweet bread filled with dried fruits and candied peel – can last quite a few weeks in its packaging. Many Italians buy one for Christmas and New Year’s (and even after if it’s a good one!) The same goes for Pandoro – a star-shaped golden cake from Verona often dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snowy peaks. It’s lighter than panettone and makes for a pretty addition to the table.
You can eat both sliced and by themselves. But if you want to spice it up – add a dollop of whipped mascarpone or a drizzle of sweet pastry cream.
Dried Fruits and Nuts
A platter of dried fruits and nuts is another New Year staple. They symbolize the hope for abundance and are often served at the end of the meal alongside dessert wines. Think dried walnuts, figs, and apricots, along with hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios – all Italian fruit and nut staples.
The Italian New Year’s menu is a beautiful blend of flavor and symbolism. Each dish tells a story of hope, abundance, and joy for the coming year. Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of lentils, a slice of panettone, or a toast with sparkling wine, Italian traditions remind us that food is not just sustenance—it’s a celebration of life and community.
Buon Anno a tutti! Happy New Years to all!
