Christmas traditions in Italy

It's cold and days are short... December... It's cold and days are short... ...luckily Christmas is coming!!!

Let’s discover the Christmas traditions in Italy together!

Christmas traditions IN ITALY CHRISTMAS IS A VERY HAPPY FESTIVITY. IN DECEMBER PEOPLE START DECORATING THEIR HOUSES. FROM THE 22ND STUDENTS HAVE TWO WEEKS OFF FROM SCHOOL AND THEY SPEND MORE TIME WITH THEIR PARENTS. DURING CHRISTMAS EVE’S NIGHT PEOPLE GO TO CHURCH. ON THE 25TH FAMILIES MEET AND CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS TOGETHER. IN THE MORNING CHILDREN OPEN PRESENTS BROUGHT BY FATHER CHRISTMAS. THEN THEY HAVE CHRISTMAS LUNCH WITH THEIR RELATIVES AND GRANDPARENTS. IN THE AFTERNOON THEY OPEN THEIR PRESENTS.

Food

TYPICAL ITALIAN FOOD THE CHRISTMAS LUNCH IS ALWAYS VERY RICH AND HEARTY. Torrone TYPICAL CHRISTMAS DISHES ARE: TORTELLINI WITH BROTH, BOILED AND ROASTED MEAT, MILAN CAKE PANETTONE, PANDORO, A TRADITIONAL CAKE FROM VERONA AND TORRONE, MADE WITH HONEY AND ALMONDS. Panettone Pandoro Tortellini

AT THE END OF THE CHRISTMAS LUNCH, ITALIANS USUALLY DRINK SPARKLING WHITE WINE TO WISH MERRY CHRISTMAS. AFTER LUNCH PEOPLE OFTEN PLAY BINGO.

A traditional recipe from the South of Italy CICERCHIATA is a large compound doughnut pasting with a particular syrup many fried dough balls.These balls, similar to chick peas, are made with flour, eggs, sugar and roasted almonds. Syrup is made with honey, chocolate and cocoa. Small pieces of candied fruit can be added.

Decorations People usually decorate their houses at Christmas. They put up a Christmas tree and a crib. Most people start putting up decorations on the 8th of December.

The most popular Christmas decorations are: balls, lights and garlands hanging on the Christmas Tree; lights hanging on balconies; wreaths placed on doors; pictures and puppets representing Father Christmas with reindeers and presents.

Presents are placed under the tree. Trees in Italy are decorated with coloured balls, glimmering garlands, stars and lights. Presents are placed under the tree. 12

THIS IS A CRIB The holy crib reproduces the nativity of Jesus. It is composed by Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and many other characthers.

You can often hear them along the main streets. TRADITIONAL SONGS The most popular Christmas songs in Italy are Jingle Bells, Adeste Fideles, Tu scendi dalle stelle, Astro del Ciel and others. You can often hear them along the main streets.

Father Christmas Children believe that Father Christmas brings presents to all the good children and coal to the naughty ones. They open their presents in the morning, as soon as they get up.

Merry Xmas to you

The Magi are coming... On the 6° of January traditionally Magi went to visit little Jesus. This day is called Epiphany.

Epiphany Befana is an old woman dressed in rags. She is quite ugly, but her heart is full of love for all the children. In January, during the night between the 5th and the 6th, she goes to every house with a bag full of sweets and little presents, to remind the gifts given bt the three Wise Men to Jesus. Riding her broom, she flies over the roofs and she goes into the chimneys to fill the stockings that children hang up on the fireplaces. Some children write a letter to the Befana to ask her some presents. If they are good, they will receive little gifts and candies, otherwise they will only get ashes and coal!

We wish you a merry Christmas... ... and a happy new year!