Christmas Traditions in Italy Christmas is celebrated all around the world. Each country has different customs and traditions. Learn about the Christmas traditions in Italy. Different countries celebrate in their own way including different dates, food, drinks which lead to a variety of diverse Christmas traditions around the World! This article features popular Italian Christmas traditions detailing the celebrations, gift giving, Santa Claus and other customs followed in Italy. We have even included some useful facts and information about the country, the flag and even the language!
Flag of Italy
Christmas Traditions in Italy A tradition is a specific practice of long standing in which unwritten customs and practices are passed from one generation to the next. Traditions and customs form part of a country's culture and heritage. The following information provides some fast, interesting facts about customs and Christmas traditions in Italy:
The Novena starts 8 days before Christmas and includes traditions such as carol singing
Many Italians celebrate Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
Gifts are opened on Xmas Day by both adults and children, however some wait for this tradition until January 6
December 26, which is St. Stephen's Day, is also a public holiday and the festivities continue
Celebrations continue until on January 6 when Italians celebrate the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus
January 6 (Epiphany, l'epifania) there are also gift giving traditions. It is not just Santa Claus (Babbo Natale) who brings the gifts but also the kind witch who is called La Befana. The gifts to children include a colorful Christmas stocking called la calza full of sweets, i dolciumi, if they’ve been good, but they’re filled with coal, il carbone (which is made of black sugar) if they’ve been bad!
La Befana, the good witch, wears an old coat mended with colorful patches and old worn out shoes. She flies around on a broomstick and carries with her a big black bag filled with sweets and presents for children. La Befana enters the houses through the chimneys and leaves the gifts and presents inside the old socks that are hang the night before
Christmas Traditions in Italy - The Food! What do people eat in other countries at this special time of the year? Festive feasts and recipes are traditional for special occasions including family dinners and meals. Interesting facts about the special food eaten as part of the customs and Christmas traditions in Italy:
Festive food varies from region to region, although there are some common dishes
On Christmas Eve, 'Vigilia di Natale', a traditional Italian dinner consists of fish and seafood with the "feast of the seven fishes" as meat is not eaten on Christmas Eve
A typical Christmas lunch, il pranzo, or dinner in Italy would typically have dishes of crostini with liver pate, lamb (l'agnello) with vegetables or tortellini
Homemade fettuccine and ravioli is often served
Desserts include il panforte, a gingerbread with hazelnuts, honey and almonds. Torrone is also a favorite and is a nougat desert made of honey, sugar and egg white which is topped with toasted almonds
Festive Traditions in Italy
Italian Christmas Vocabulary How do you say Merry Christmas in Italy? If you have friends or family who live, or have ties with, a different country it is a nice gesture to add a seasons greetings in the language of the country. A practical addition to learning about Christmas traditions in Italy:
How do you say Merry Christmas in Italian? "Buon Natale!"
What is the name for Santa Claus? Babbo Natale
Facts and Information about Italy Learn a little about the country of Italy, as well as its Christmas traditions! The following information provides some fast, interesting facts about Italy:
Location: Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia
Italian Land Size : 294,020 sq km
Italian Climate / Weather : predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in south
Capital City: Rome
Italian Currency : euro (EUR)
Facts and Information about the Italian Flag Facts and info about the flag of Italy:
The flag of Italy is described as: Three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red
The history of the Italian flag: The Italian flag was inspired by a flag brought to Italy by the Emperor Napoleon
Christmas Traditions in Italy This article provides an overview of the country and the different Christmas traditions in Italy. Lots of free, traditions, facts and information for kids, children and teachers! Popular Italian Christmas traditions detailing the celebrations, gift giving, Santa Claus and other customs followed in Italy.
Christmas Traditions in Italy
Christmas Traditions in Italy
Christmas Traditions in Italy
Italian Christmas traditions and customs
Festive greetings in Italian
Interesting Facts and Info about Italy - including the Flag of Italy
Read about Christmas Traditions in Italy
Italian Xmas Traditions around the world
For teachers, kids and children
Free, useful facts and interesting information
Christmas Traditions in Italy
Christmas Traditions in Italy
"Merry Christmas, have a happy and prosperous New Year!"
