Florence in the run-up to Christmast Photo: adisa - stock.adobe.com
From our editorial team
Italy can also be quite piano, piano - at least when Christmas is just around the corner. Then the boot becomes a sea of lights, from the Alps to Sicily. This is how the pre-Christmas season is celebrated in Italy: the most important dates and customs of the bel paese.
Three facts first: a decorated fir tree has only been in demand throughout Italy at Christmas time since the 1980s. The first Christmas tree was erected in St Peter's Square in 1982. 2. the world has Italy to thank not only for pizza, but also for the nativity scene - more on this later. 3. unlike in Germany, Advent calendars and wreaths were not common in Italy until now. This has changed in recent years, especially among families with children and German relatives.
The Christmas markets start in Italy
From mid to late November, Italian towns and villages are transformed into glowing winter fairy tales. Light installations, decorated trees and Christmas markets for around 40 years. Since the 1990s, these have first appeared in the north, especially in South Tyrol-Trentino, and since the 2000s also in central and southern Italy. The local culinary offerings are strongly characterised by regional cuisine and (artisan) art.
Photo: Valerio Mei - stock.adobe.com
St Nicholas comes as San Nicola
The Christmas festivities begin on 6 December, the day of St Nicholas, or "San Nicola". This is celebrated in Bari, the capital Apuliais especially celebrated. St Nicholas is the patron saint of the city and is celebrated with church services and processions. Pilgrims from all over the world travel here every year.
In some regions, St Nicholas is not a special day for children, just a normal holiday for the faithful. In northern Italy in particular, St Nicholas' Day is celebrated in the same way as in Germany: children put their shoes out overnight and, with a bit of luck, there will be sweets inside instead of coal.
The Lucia Festival: The patron saint of light
Saint Lucia, known as the patron saint of light and patron saint of the blind, is celebrated on 13 December, especially in the north and south of Italy. Lucia, born in Syracuse from SicilyShe is said to have distributed her wealth to the poor. She is said to have been murdered for her faith in 304 AD and her eyes are said to have been torn out.
In northern Italy, particularly in Verona and Veneto, Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige, small gifts are given to children at the Lucia Festival, as well as traditional pastries such as "Biscotti di Lucia". In Sicily, the "Torrone dei poveri", literally translated as "nougat of the poor", is reminiscent of Lucia. Instead of expensive nuts and almonds, this version is made from sweetened chickpeas.
The centrepiece of Christmas decorations: the nativity scene
What the Christmas tree is to the Germans, the nativity scene is to the Italians - often even entire nativity scenes. The centrepiece of the Christmas decorations, the "Presepe", can be found in almost every household from the beginning of December. The figure of the Christ Child is usually only placed in the cot on the night of 25 December.
This tradition goes back to St Francis of Assisi. The patron saint of creation had the first living nativity scene staged in Greccio in Umbria in 1223. The "living nativity scenes", the "Presepi Viventi", often take place in historic villages. The nativity scenes from Naples, where figures and accessories are produced all year round in Via San Gregorio Armeno, are world-famous.
"La Novena" as preparation
From 16 December to 24 December, the "Novena" is celebrated in many regions of Italy. "La Novena is a Catholic tradition in Italy in which certain prayers and devotions are performed over a period of nine days.
Traditionally, children or groups of believers go from house to house and sing Christmas carols or prayers, accompanied by instruments such as flutes or tambourines. This is a particularly lively custom in southern Italy. The children are often dressed up as shepherds or angels. However, the Novena can also be celebrated before Easter or other holidays.
Christmas Eve: La Vigilia di Natale
Christmas Eve is celebrated in Italy as the eve of Christmas and is considered a day of fasting. For this reason, most families serve meat-free delicacies: In the north there is often baccalà, stockfish, in the south spaghetti alle vongole and, of course, panettone for dessert.
After dinner, many families traditionally play bingo before going to midnight mass together or watching the programmes on TV. The actual Christmas celebrations in Italy only start on 25 December.
