Christmas in Italy
Italy has some special Christmas traditions that are different from other European countries and also some interesting ways to celebrate.
The 24th of December is not as important in Italy as the 6th of January. This was when it was said the Three Wise Men presented Baby Jesus with their gifts, so this is when Italian children receive theirs. The presents are brought by a friendly witch called La Befana, who comes in the night and fills the children’s stockings.
Another tradition for Italian families is to have a special meal before midnight mass on Christmas Eve. In Northern Italy this normally consists of a meatless meal, while in Southern regions the meal is called “seven fishes”. The meal today doesn’t contain seven fishes and is just a fish dish.
Napoli (Naples) is known in Italy as the best city for nativity cribs. The cribs are presented in majority of the churches and also outside in the piazza and public areas. Napoli, along with other southern regions, wears traditional colorful costumes and present plays outside of local churches.
For Christmas decorations Torino and a top Monte Ingino are two of the most magical places in Italy. Torino has over 20km of streets that are decorated each year by illumination artists from all around Europe. They start from late November and last until early January. On Monte Ingino is a giant Christmas tree standing at an astounding 650 meters tall. The tree is covered with over 700 lights and can be seen up to 50 kilometers away.
Christmas markets are also popular in Italy, but they are smaller and more personal than those from Germany or France. The markets normally sell handcrafted products and have a nativity scene as a focal point. Northern regions tend to have more markets with some of the most famous being in Trento, Venice and Bvolzano.
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