As a rule, when travelers make vacation plans, they first book tickets and only then find out which of the interesting events is taking place in Italy at the same time. Merry Christmas this number does not work. Everyone knows that Christmas in Italy is celebrated on a special scale, and therefore "reconnaissance" is carried out long before booking tickets.
For many Europeans, Christmas is, above all, a family holiday. For us - residents of Russian-speaking countries - this axiom is also not in doubt. But due to the fact that Christmas and Western Europeans do not coincide in dates, excellent prerequisites are created for seeing “how it is with them” and then celebrating in the family circle, having previously accumulated impressions in distant wanderings. Italy in this case is one of the places where you should go to Christmas at least once in your life, because even among Catholics the Italians are famous for their special commitment to traditions.
Christmas in Italy
Before moving on to local specialties, we note that Christmas is one of the most significant holidays in the Italian calendar. If you are familiar with the traditions of celebrating Christmas in other Western countries, then you will certainly notice many similarities in Italy, such as, for example, decorated spruce trees and buildings decorated with festive illumination. By the way, Christmas itself in Italian is pronounced as “Natale”.
- Christmas holidays in Italy interrupt the monotonous course of the "low season"
Christmas decor
Unlike many countries where the main attribute of Christmas is Santa Claus or his local counterpart, in Italy, the main element of the festive decor are scenes dedicated to the birth of Jesus. In the Apennines, they are called “presepe” or “presepio”, and they are found at all the key points throughout the country: in churches, squares, in private houses, shop windows, near fountains and even on ships. Without a doubt, if your trip involves walking around the city, then you will probably come across a “presepe”. And not only in the form of figurines, but also with live performances.
Christmas characters: La Befana and Babbo Natale
Another equally important symbol with which the Christmas season in Italy is associated is La Befana. A real witch on a broomstick, from one glance at which doubts can arise whether there is a catch. But La Befana is a kind witch, and in the local tradition it is she who is the main supplier of gifts in stockings of little Italians. Another difference is that La Befana arrives on the night of January 5th (the night of the Epiphany), and not on December 25th.
The fact that Santa Claus does not dominate the Christmas traditions of Italians does not mean that he is absent. He is, and his images are also found everywhere. The Italians, however, call it in their own way - Babbo Natale. However, due to the fact that in Italian culture Babbo Natale is not a traditional gift delivery man, his image is not as widespread as in other countries.
The real witch brings gifts to Italian kids
Christmas food
Almost every culture has some traditional festive dishes, and the Apennines on this list are no exception. Traditional dishes in Italy on Christmas Eve, as a rule, do without meat (fish do not count), while eating at Christmas itself without meat is simply unthinkable. The richness of traditions has determined a significant number of local attributes of the Christmas table, among which are candied fruits and nuts, marzipans, deep-fried cakes, etc. However, the most famous attribute is, of course, Panettone.
Traditionally originating from Milan, today the panettone is a constant companion of Christmas throughout Italy. Once the best panettone was considered to be made at home, but over time, the confectioneries have so succeeded in its manufacture that the acquisition of the panettone "on the side" is no longer considered shameful.
Panettone is a special cake that has a rounded shape and is about 30 cm in height. Usually it is prepared from soft and not completely baked dough, adding candied fruits and raisins inside. Panettone is served on a table cut into pieces with hot drinks, such as coffee, chocolate or sweet wine.
Christmas markets
Travelers who visited other European countries before the holidays are generally familiar with the tradition of the Christmas markets, especially common in the regions of Northern Europe. In some areas of Italy, historically associated with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this tradition is still common. In this regard, the Trentino-Alto Adige region is particularly notable. However, in other Italian cities it is rarely dispensed with Christmas markets, which are usually arranged in large squares.
Travel Features
Although Christmas is not the largest holiday on the Italian calendar, it definitely stands out with a number of features. And along with pleasant moments there are nuances that are better to know in advance.
- A real highlight of the trip can be the Christmas Mass in the Vatican.
Christmas holidays in Italy interrupt the monotonous flow of the "low season", forming a sharp contrast in prices, sometimes even within one week. So, the cost of hotels during this period increases sharply, and the number of available options for selection, on the contrary, is significantly reduced. This is especially true for places that are the target of pilgrims, such as, for example, Rome.
Transport in Italy for the Christmas holidays - This is also a topic that is worth a separate mention. Buses and trains during this period often operate on a "holiday" schedule, which, in essence, means fewer routes than usual. Given the influx of tourists, this smaller amount of transport creates certain inconveniences, both on municipal and inter-city routes.
In view of the foregoing, only two transport tips can be given: if possible, try not to plan active movements on these holidays or, if transport difficulties do not scare you, then book tickets in advance.
It is also important to note that most of the attractions and archaeological sites are closed on Christmas itself (December 25th), and some of them on the previous day. In the New Year, Italians are not so critical, although many establishments may also be closed. On the contrary, in every city you can always visit the solemn service in the churches, and in some even look at the solemn processions, very popular on Christmas Eve. You can always learn more about such events at local tourist information centers.
What else is worth a special mention is the solemn Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Of course, this event can be a decoration of any trip. However, in order to get into the Cathedral itself, you need to book tickets several months in advance. Otherwise, you will have to see the mass on large screens that are specially installed on St. Peter's Square.
Photos by matteo_dudek, EmmaJC, geekygirlnyc, and Simone Zucchelli
