Holidays Around the World Pack Cover Italy

HOLIDAYS

AROUND THE WORLD: ITALY

Fun Traditions, Activities, and Much More! Christmas Traditions in Italy

Christmas Celebrations

One of the most important ways of celebrating Christmas in Italy is the Nativity crib scene. A lot of Italian families have a Nativity crib in their homes.

The city of Naples in Italy is world-famous for its cribs and crib making. These are known as 'Presepe Napoletano' (meaning Neapolitan Cribs).

Sometimes the Nativity scene is displayed in the shape of a pyramid which can be several feet tall! It's made of several tiers of shelves and is decorated with colored paper, gold-covered pinecones and small candles. A small star is often hung inside the top of the pyramid/triangle. The shelves above the manger scene might also contain fruit, candy, and presents.

Epiphany is also important in Italy. On Epiphany night, children believe that an old lady called 'Befana' brings presents for them. Children put stockings up by the fireplace for Befana to fill. In parts of northern Italy, the Three Kings might bring you present rather than Befana. On Christmas day 'Babbo Natale' (Santa Claus) might bring them some small gifts, but the main day for present giving is on Epiphany.

An old Italian custom is for children to go out carol singing and playing songs on shepherds pipes, wearing shepherds sandals and hats.

Some families have a 'Ceppo' or Yule Log which is burnt through the Christmas season.

Christmas Meal

On Christmas Eve, it's common that no meat is eaten. Often a light seafood meal is eaten and then people go to the Midnight Mass service.

When people return from Mass, a religious celebration, if it's cold, you might have a slice of Italian Christmas Cake called 'Panettone' which is like a dry fruity sponge cake and a cup of hot chocolate!

Christmas Greeting

In Italian Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Buon Natale'.

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Christmas in Italy