Christmas in Italy
Bolzano Christmas Market
What could be more spectacular than Christmas in Italy? Can't you just imagine it: Walking through a lightly snow-covered piazza, hot chocolate in hand (that deep, rich, dark chocolate that Italians serve), enjoying samples of local desserts, buying Christmas ornaments. You stop off to see a beautifully arranged nativity scene. Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings surround you, adorned in lights. Wreathes and holly are found at every corner. It's a match made in Heaven. As a predominantly Catholic nation, one steeped in ancient religious customs and traditions, Italy's filled with innumerable Christmas traditions. Unlike in the United States, where Christmas festivities for many begin the day after Thanksgiving, celebrations in Italy begin later. Moreover, whereas Christmas in the United States ends at the strike of the 26th, in Italy Christmas celebrations stretch from Christmas Eve through Epiphany.
Some Italian Christmas traditions: Panettone and Pandoro. You've likely seen these sweet breads at local specialty shops. They are enjoyed after the Christmas meal or even for breakfast with a cappuccino. Why for breakfast? Because they're quite large and it's almost certain there will be leftovers.
Midnight Mass. In the Vatican City at 10 PM on Christmas Eve and stretching through early Christmas morning is Midnight Mass led by the Pope, drawing an audience of tens of thousands. Throughout Italy you may attend these celebrations in remarkably decorated Medieval and Renaissance churches. Services are often held in Latin.
Il presepe. Some of the most exquisite ways of remembering the true meaning of Christmas are miniature (and not so miniature!) recreations of the nativity scene as described in the bible. Known in Italy as presepi, nativity scenes have a particularly storied history in Naples, where you will find hundreds laced throughout the city. Have a look here to take a stroll down Via San Gregorio Armero, the heart of the Neapolitan presepe tradition.
La Befana. In the United States and other Western countries Santa Claus has become synonymous with Christmas, the one who brings gifts to children. While in Italy Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) also brings children gifts, there is also the wonderful tradition of La Befana. She brings children smaller gifts on Epiphany Eve, January 5th.
La cena della vigilia. Christmas Eve dinner is one of the most important meals in Italy. Traditionally it was a meatless and lengthy dinner, but today meat has made its way to many tables. Lengthy? Well, that's not changed! Culinary traditions vary greatly from region to region, even town to town. In Bologna it's common to enjoy tortellini in brodo.
Mercatini di Natale. Italians love decorating for Christmas. Throughout Italy you will find extraordinary Christmas Markets, Mercatini di Natale, selling figurines for presepi, candles, scents, dishware, wines and foods, baskets, wreathes, hot chocolate, and Christmas tree decorations. Two famous mercatini are found in Rome and Bolzano, but nearly every town has its own.
What are some of your family's Christmas traditions? Other Italian traditions that are not to miss?
Auguri! Buon Natale! ~Nello
Some Italian Christmas traditions: Panettone and Pandoro. You've likely seen these sweet breads at local specialty shops. They are enjoyed after the Christmas meal or even for breakfast with a cappuccino. Why for breakfast? Because they're quite large and it's almost certain there will be leftovers.
Midnight Mass. In the Vatican City at 10 PM on Christmas Eve and stretching through early Christmas morning is Midnight Mass led by the Pope, drawing an audience of tens of thousands. Throughout Italy you may attend these celebrations in remarkably decorated Medieval and Renaissance churches. Services are often held in Latin.
Il presepe. Some of the most exquisite ways of remembering the true meaning of Christmas are miniature (and not so miniature!) recreations of the nativity scene as described in the bible. Known in Italy as presepi, nativity scenes have a particularly storied history in Naples, where you will find hundreds laced throughout the city. Have a look here to take a stroll down Via San Gregorio Armero, the heart of the Neapolitan presepe tradition.
La Befana. In the United States and other Western countries Santa Claus has become synonymous with Christmas, the one who brings gifts to children. While in Italy Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) also brings children gifts, there is also the wonderful tradition of La Befana. She brings children smaller gifts on Epiphany Eve, January 5th.
La cena della vigilia. Christmas Eve dinner is one of the most important meals in Italy. Traditionally it was a meatless and lengthy dinner, but today meat has made its way to many tables. Lengthy? Well, that's not changed! Culinary traditions vary greatly from region to region, even town to town. In Bologna it's common to enjoy tortellini in brodo.
Mercatini di Natale. Italians love decorating for Christmas. Throughout Italy you will find extraordinary Christmas Markets, Mercatini di Natale, selling figurines for presepi, candles, scents, dishware, wines and foods, baskets, wreathes, hot chocolate, and Christmas tree decorations. Two famous mercatini are found in Rome and Bolzano, but nearly every town has its own.
What are some of your family's Christmas traditions? Other Italian traditions that are not to miss?
Auguri! Buon Natale! ~Nello
Bolzano Christmas Market
Brunico Christmas Market
La Befana vien di notte
Con le scarpe tutte rotte
Col vestito alla romana
Viva, Viva La Befana!
Con le scarpe tutte rotte
Col vestito alla romana
Viva, Viva La Befana!