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Deck the Halls
By: Effetto Italy On: December 1, 2020 In: Italian Culture
The holiday season is a magical time to be in Italy. The celebrations, the decorations, the food and most of all, the traditions… Christmas time doesn’t get more festive than this.
It’s not one day, nor twelve – but an entire month
In Italy, the holiday kicks off on December 8th, with the celebration of the Immaculate Conception. Decorations go up in both homes and in the streets and many of the Christmas markets begin. The festivities don’t end until the Epiphany on January 6th.
Christmas markets galore
Italy hosts some truly wonderful Christmas markets – each reflecting the regions own local traditions and artisans. Some of the most famous are the Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano, the Weihnachtsmarkt German Market in Florence (right in Santa Croce), the medieval candle market in Candelara in Le Marche, Piazza Navona in Rome, Campo San Polo in Venice and the Christmas market in Torino. Grab some lulled wine and a bag of roasted chestnuts and enjoy the atmosphere!
Oh Presepio
Nativity scenes (presepi) are a more common display in Italy than the traditional Christmas tree. These ornate and elaborate scenes are an artisan tradition throughout. Naples, in particular, is world-famous for its handmade creations. And these scenes often go beyond the usual baby Jesus with the 3 wise men, usually including entire villages, towns, mountains and beyond.
Bagpipes abound
About 8 days prior to Christmas (also known as the Novena), you may catch a glimpse of the traveling zampognari (bagpipe players). These performers would traditionally travel to the towns and villages in southern Italy and Sicily from the mountains, playing holiday carols. Now they are local musicians dressed in sheepskin vests and a peaked cap, and representing the shepherds who visited the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem.
Holiday feasting
Of course, it would not be the holidays without delicious food. On Christmas Eve La Vigilia di Natale, Italians tend to eat a lighter, meatless meal, depending upon the region. Christmas day can be more lavish celebration with a heavy meat and cheese antipasti, followed by a tortellini in brodo and perhaps a roast of lamb or guinea fowl. Two of the most common desserts are pandoro and panettone (read our blog on these two cakes here).
La Befana arrives
Move over, Santa. The true Christmas figure is Le Befana, a “good witch” believed to have followed the wise men in search of the baby Jesus, and dropping off gifts at children’s doors. Now she is said to drop off presents for all the good children on January 5th, the Epiphany Eve. Throughout Italy, and particularly in Rome and Bologna, main piazzas host fun activities for kids on this day.
Looking to plan an event during the holiday season – let us know how we can help.
Buon Natale from all of us at Effetto and have a safe and happy New Year.
Ciao for now,
The Effetto Italy Team
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