Italy- Celebrate Christmas in Italy as The Italians Do

Home to the seat of the religious leader of the world and the cradle of our civilization, Italy has volumes to offer to any visitor who shows interest in the country’s fascinating history, topography, culture and art. The grandeur of Italy and its regions looks further illuminated if you happen to visit during Christmas.

Christmas traditions in Italy have been retained and are followed with the same spirit as they existed centuries ago. A typical Christmas in Italy is a splendid mix of religious beliefs, traditions and feasting. Italian Christmas is heralded with a canon firing that takes place at the Castle of Saint Angelo in Rome. The holy season begins 8 days before Christmas and ends with the feast of Epiphany. Novena or the special service of prayers and worship is offered by the Roman Catholic Church for nine consecutive days during this time till the Christmas day.

The true spirit of Christmas, like most people believe, is about believing in the Almighty and giving and sharing. If this be so, then Italian Christmas reflects this spirit at its best. A few days before Christmas, the poor and the downtrodden children dress up like shepherds and go from house to house singing Christmas songs and reciting poems. In return, they are paid money to be able to buy gifts and clothes for themselves.

Another famous Italian custom followed during Christmas is picking up one present each from the ‘Urn of Fate’. How exciting it is to take your pick from a jar of gifts? An elaborate Christmas dinner is preceded by a strict fast observed for 24 hours. The Christmas dinner is scrumptious with some Italian delicacies like filled pastas in gravy, the Italian Christmas specialty cakes called ‘Panettone’ and ‘Pandoro’. The actual gifts are exchanged at the feast of Epiphany which is usually on January 6TH.

A very famous legend featuring the Christmas traditions in Italy is that of the ugly king-hearted witch named ‘La Befana’. The story associated with Befana is that on their way to Bethlehem, the three wise men asked an old woman for directions and also told her to accompany them to see baby Jesus. She refused and till now, she wanders about from one house to other in search of the baby Jesus and drops a present every where she stops. Along with these Christmas traditions, Italy is also home to the creation of the famous Nativity scene during Christmas. What has become part of the Christmas traditions world over, owes its origins to Italy.

If you are visiting Italy during Christmas then you will come across some of the most realistically and beautifully constructed Nativity scenes, huge illuminated Christmas trees and elaborate presipi or cribs outside shops, restaurants and churches. Christmas celebrations at St. Peter’s square in the Vatican City and in the Italian cities of Naples and Rome would help you experience the most elaborate, authentic and unforgettable Christmas of all time!