Italian Christmas Traditions 1

Did you ever feel like Christmas celebrated for just one day is not enough? 2

Christmas seasons Christmas season in Italy is traditionally celebrated from December 24 to January 6, from Christmas Eve to Epiphany. There are lots of Christmas events to see during December before Christmas, many start on December 8, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception. 3

Christmas Christmas decorations and trees are very popular in Italy. Lights and decorations in houses are often seen around December 8. The main focus of decorations is the crib. 4

At Christmas Eve a tradition is to attend Midnight Mass. Christmas’ Day At Christmas Eve a tradition is to attend Midnight Mass. Children go to bed early: Santa Claus only brings presents to children who are sleeping! 5

Christmas’ Day Italian families celebrate Christmas with a big meal that ends with traditional sweets such as panettone, pandoro and torrone. 6

San Silvestro and Capodanno December 31 is called ”La Festa di San Silvestro”, and New Year’s Day is called Capodanno. New Years Eve is marked by a big meal with family and friends where the main course includes pork and lentils. The pork symbolizes the richness of life, and the lentils symbolize money or good fortune. 7

San Silvestro and Capodanno In many places there are large fireworks displays at midnight. Capodanno is toasted with spumante. 8

Babbo Natale and Befana Although Babbo Natale and giving presents at Christmas are becoming more common, the other day for gifts giving is Epiphany. In Italy, other presents are brought by Befana, who arrives in the night to fill children's stockings. 9

by Alessia, Davide and Carlotta 2 A Guidobono school Savona Italy 10