The Italian Christmas season (Natale) starts on December 8th with the Immaculate Conception celebration—the day when the Christmas tree is customarily decorated—and ends on January 6th with the Epiphany (Epifania) the following year. Natale is an Italian term that means “related to birth” and is derived from the Latin adjective natalis, which means “born” in Latin and is the past participle of the verb nascor, meaning “to be born” in Latin. “Buon Natale” and “Felice Natale” are common Italian Christmas greetings. Today, around 83% of Italy’s residents are Christians.
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Religious Holidays in Italy
Churches begin reciting the novena di Natale, a nine-day Christmas prayer, on December 16th and continue until Christmas Eve. The liturgy of Christmas Night is observed on December 24th, which is Christmas Eve. Singing the Te Deum at the evening liturgy of the Celebration of the Mother of God on December 31st, New Year’s Eve, is a traditional way to express gratitude for the past year.
Christmas Traditions in Italy
Jesus’ Nativity
Traditions from late antiquity and the Middle Ages give rise to the Nativity scene, also known as the Presepe in Italian, which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ. Originally practiced in Italy, the practice of displaying a nativity scene in homes during the Christmas season has now extended to every country where Catholicism is practiced.
Known as the “Infancy Gospels,” the 180 lines found in Matthew and Luke’s gospels tell the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, Judea, a small village that is both noble and prosperous because it is the site of King David’s birth. This narrative takes place during the reign of King Herod the Great. Apocryphal gospels, other traditions, and legends—including the Protoevangelium of James—contribute significantly to the Nativity scene.
During the Christmas season, many homes exhibit elaborate plastic compositions depicting the Nativity of Christ. It is a collection of sculptures shown in a meticulously recreated environment, crafted from a variety of materials. Traditional elements such as the house or cave, the manger where the child is laid, his parents, Joseph and Mary, the shepherds, the lambs, the ox and donkey, and the angels are all present. On the eve of the Epiphany, the three wise men visit Jesus to honor him, and between midnight on December 24th and 25th, the figure of the infant is laid in the manger. You may choose a landscape or a starry sky for the backdrop. At times, supplementary figures are included in diverse regional traditions.
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As is customary in Italy and other countries, the Christmas nativity scene is retained until the day of the Epiphany, which is January 6th, or even until the day of the Presentation of the Lord, which is February 2nd. At that point, the statues of the Magi are put before the Holy Family.
The use of actual humans in a live nativity scene is an alternative method of building such an arrangement. Its roots date back to the Middle Ages, but in recent decades, it has become quite popular in Italy. In 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi in Greccio produced what is widely regarded as the earliest nativity scene in history.
Regional Differences in Nativity
The Nativity scene has been performed in Naples since the year 1025. Afterwards, nativity scene presentation customs varied across Italy, with certain cities like Bologna, Genoa, and Naples having their own distinct styles.
During the 18th century, Naples became known for its traditional nativity scene. Naples’ nativity scene art has endured over the ages, becoming one of the city’s most enduring and revered Christmas traditions. Famous for displaying all the local crafts associated with the nativity scene, the Street of the Nativity Scenes (Via dei presepi), also known as “San Gregorio Armeno Street,” is well worth a visit. Furthermore, historical artifacts or whole scenarios portraying the Nativity of Jesus are shown at a number of museums both in the city and in the suburbs, including the San Martino Museum and the Royal Palace of Caserta.
All of the figures and their garments in a Bolognese nativity scene are carved or molded, setting it apart from other varieties of Italian nativity scenes like the Neapolitan. So, it’s not about people in clothing or sculptures made of clay, wood, or fabric.
The nativity scenes from Genoa, Naples, and Bologna are among the most esteemed in the world. These scenes have a long history of artistic production and can be traced back to a genuine school that emerged in the 18th century. Thanks to the school’s long history and the abundance of artisan workshops in the area, the first figurines depicting sacred subjects were created. These works are highly esteemed for their intricate details and high-quality materials, which range from wood and ceramics to paper used to create delicate painted forms. For the most part, these materials were used to finish the statuettes (clothes, facial features, etc.), which were created with painstaking care to detail and were meant to be brought to life beneath the heavenly vault.
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Yule Log: Ceppo di Natale
Christmas Bûche, or Ceppo di Natale as it is known in Italian, has a long and storied history that dates back to at least the eleventh century. An illuminated manuscript from the fourteenth century that was printed in Milan gives a comprehensive account of this custom.
From Tuscany, the Christmas Bûche is called “ciocco,” while from Lombardy, it’s called “zocco.” Some regions use various names for the same dish. In Lombardy, the family patriarch would pray to the Holy Trinity while he sprinkled juniper on top of the bûche and placed money on top. After that, it was liberally cut, and lastly, the leftover wine was drizzled over the bûche. As part of the bûche ritual, it was also common practice to slice three loaves of panettone (sweet bread) and set aside a portion for thaumaturgical (miracle-working) reasons the following year.
“Let the bûche rejoice: tomorrow is the day of bread…” was once said as part of the “bûche ceremony” in Tuscany, particularly in Val di Chiana (valley in the provinces of Arezzo and Siena). In subsequent generations, it was customary to have blindfolded children use tongs to strike the bûche while the rest of the family sang “Ave Maria of the Bûche.” The children would then be showered with sweets and other presents for their efforts. Evidence that the Christmas Bûche custom has deep roots in Italy comes from the fact that Christmas in Tuscany was once known as the “Feast of the Bûche.”
Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree custom, which originated in Germany, became popular in Italy throughout the twentieth century. It seems that Queen Margherita had the first one constructed in Italy at the Quirinal Palace in Rome around the tail end of the nineteenth century. During the fascist period, genuine Italian nativity displays were favored, and this practice was frowned upon as an imitation of a foreign institution. The Gubbio Christmas tree became the world’s largest in 1991 when it reached 2130 feet in height and had more than 700 lights strung around it. It was included in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Bagpipes
An iconic Italian Christmas custom is the descent of bagpipers (zampognari) from the mountains, accompanied by music. These guys dress as shepherds and bring their instruments to serenade the crowds. Southern Italy is home to a long-standing custom that dates back to the 1800s. The Abruzzo bagpipers were described by Hector Berlioz in 1832.
Christmas Gift Bearers
On December 13, the Child, Babbo Natale (Father Christmas), and on January 6, La Befana, are the traditional Italian Christmas gift carriers.
On the nights of December 12th and 13th, Saint Lucy is said to carry gifts in many Italian localities, including Verona, Lodi, Cremona, Pavia, Brescia, Bergamo, and Piacenza. In Italy, as she rides a donkey into town, little ones are supposed to leave a bowl of flour and a cup of tea for the holy woman.
The ancient witch La Befana, who rides a broomstick and delivers presents on January 6—the Epiphany—is a common character in Italian Christmas legend. Santa Claus is said to provide treats for good children and coal for bad ones in her stocking, according to custom. Similar characters from other cultures, including the Russian Babushka and the Germanic Frau Berchta, may be traced back to La Befana, whose name is a distorted version of the word “Epiphany” (in Italian, Epifania). She is honored in a famous children’s rhyme:
La Befana comes at night
With shoes all tattered and torn
Her hat skewed to the Roman style
Hurray, hurray, La Befana
During the Nazi regime in 1938, a humanitarian event known as a “Fascist Befana” was instituted on January 6 (Epiphany) as a Christmas celebration for the children of the lower classes.
Italian Christmas Foods
It is customary to abstain from meat at Christmas Eve supper. A favorite, particularly in the south, is eel, and in other parts of the country, the “seven fish dishes” are a common culinary practice that originated in Italy and extended to the United States.
Panettone
Although it was originally from Milan, Panettone (panettone in Italian) is a popular Christmas treat all across Italy. It’s a sweet bread filled with raisins and candied fruits.
Its inception probably occurred in the 12th century. The original recipe called for pumpkin, raisins, honey, and yeast in the bread. It evolved into a rustic focaccia flavored with grape grains and produced from wheat flour in the 17th century. Wheat flour, eggs, sugar, and raisins (representing riches and money) were transformed into a new kind of bread by the nineteenth century.
Panettone is linked to two primary legends:
- Messer Ugeto, who is the son of condottiero Giacometto Atellani, had an affair with the lovely Adalgisa, who is the daughter of a baker, at the end of the fifteenth century. He fools Tony, her famous father, into hiring him as a pastry chef so he may be with his lover. Instead of only using flour and yeast, he attempts to make an enriched bread that has candied oranges, pine nuts, sugar, eggs, and butter in an effort to increase sales. This takes place when Duke Ludovico ‘Il Moro’ is in power. With the help of the Dominicans and Leonardo da Vinci, his wife, Duchess Beatrice d’Este, sees the young man’s immense devotion and sets out to persuade her father to grant him permission to marry the common Adalgisa. People go from all over to purchase and enjoy the Pan del Ton (“Tony’s bread”), the delicious result of this love’s blossoming.
- On Christmas Eve, a peculiar sweet must be concocted in the courtyard of Duke Ludovico ‘Il Moro.’ The dome-shaped loaf, which was filled with grape seeds, burned during baking, leaving the chef quite disheartened. Tony, one of the kitchen boys, suggests that he serve the pastry with a crust, like a crusty delicacy. Guests enthusiastically applaud the odd recipe’s presentation, and after eating it, the whole feast praises it, giving birth to Pan del Toni.
Among the “architects” of the contemporary panettone is Paolo Biffi, who in 1847 created a massive loaf of sweet bread and had it transported to Pope Pius IX in a separate carriage.
Notable people from the past who enjoyed panettone include Alessandro Manzoni, Giuseppe Verdi, and Prince Clemens von Metternich of Austria.
Angelo Motta, in the early part of the twentieth century, invented the dome-shaped packaging and the “cup” made of baking paper for panettone. These innovations laid the groundwork for the present form and packaging of the dessert.
Pandoro
Pandoro, a sweet bread garnished with candied fruits and devoid of raisins, is another national favorite and traditional Italian Christmas dessert. Domenico Melegatti, creator of the namesake firm and a pastry chef, invented it in 1884 in Verona. It was named after a delicious, conical bread that was wrapped in pure gold leaf during the Venetian Republic, pan de oro, which means “golden bread” in the local tongue.
The dough smells like vanilla and is silky and golden in color from the eggs. Typically, it has eight points and takes the form of a star. Yeast, sugar, eggs, cocoa butter, and flour are the primary components. On the other hand, there are a lot of steps to the preparation procedure.
Turron
Turron, which means nougat in Italian, is a popular dessert all across Italy, but it has its roots in the north. The old story is that it was a dessert that was given at the wedding of Francesco I Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti at Cremona on October 25, 1441.
Mandorlato
Almond nougat, or mandorlato in Italian, is a specialty of Northern Italy, particularly the region around Colonia Veneta. It most likely began as a result of the Venetian Republic’s trading connections with Eastern countries.
Struffoli
Struffoli, or “honey ball cookies,” are a Southern Italian specialty that has gained popularity throughout the country. Their term, which has been in use since the 17th century, is from the Greek word strongoulos, which means “round.”
The filling for this dessert is a combination of flour, eggs, lard, sugar, a dash of salt, and anise liqueur, and the dough is formed into many little balls that do not exceed 0.40 inches in diameter. Before being dipped in hot honey, they are cooked in oil or lard and let cool. They are presented on a circular serving platter and adorned with cedar and other candied fruit pieces, sugar, and colorful sprinkles.
Local Culinary Practices and Customs
Abruzzo
The Christmas celebrations in the Abruzzo town of Lanciano begin on December 23 with the striking of a bell known as La Squilla. Between 1588 and 1607, Bishop Tasso Bos walked almost 2 miles every year from his residence to the “Iconicella” church. This custom, which is followed by a lighted procession, is based on that trek.
On Christmas Eve, the villagers of Tufillo light a “farchia” (a log that may grow to be 65 feet long) to keep warm.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Abruzzo Province of L’Aquila, a place of tradition
The town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio has an annual torchlight parade (ntosse). On top of that, in the highlands outside the settlement, a sheaf cabin is burned to the ground. Depending on whether the smoke was rising from the chestnut woods or the vineyards, the elders would traditionally forecast the New Year’s harvest.
Apresepe, or nativity scene, has been a part of Abruzzo culture since at least 1567, when it was listed in the castle’s inventory as belonging to the Piccolomini family.
Basilicata
In the Basilicata region, the Christmas markets in Potenza, the regional capital, kick off the celebrations on December 8. Sassi di Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is notable for its vibrant nativity scene. At Christmastime, the locals of Matera sing a traditional song called U Cont du Natèl.
Calabria
On the feast day of Saint Andrew, festivities in Calabria formally begin as grandmothers regale their grandkids with a dialect rhyme:
Santu ‘Ntria brings news:
To the sixth belongs Nicola,
To the eighth belongs Maria,
To the thirteenth belongs Lucia,
On the twenty-first, Saint Thomas sings:
The twenty-fifth is the Holy Birth!
Following that, one may hear the sound of whistles, which is an indication that the Christmas season has begun, as stated with the word “terullèru!” which means “Christmas has arrived.”
Here are some of the traditional Christmas foods from Calabria:
- La cicerata: A big ball created by putting several balls of fried dough with syrup is called la cicerata, sometimes spelled cicirata and cicirchiata. The chickpea-shaped dough balls are a combination of flour, eggs, and crushed toasted almonds. The syrup may be sweetened with candied fruit chunks or created with honey, melted dark chocolate, and cocoa.
- i zippuli: Fried potato, flour, and yeast pastries called “i zippuli” may be served plain or stuffed with seafood such as ciccioli, unsalted anchovies, or cod.
- l Petrali: I petrali, also known as chinuliji or chjinuli, are crescent-shaped candies packed with chopped dried figs, walnuts, almonds, raisins, orange and mandarin peel, and soaked for several days in warm wine and sweetened coffee.
- i laci: Pinecone-shaped fried pastries from Badolato, Caulonia, and Roccella Jonica are called i laci.
- La pitta ‘nchiusa: This flattened, dry pastry is called la pitta ‘nchiusa, and it comes from San Giovanni in Fiore.
Campania
Beginning in the 18th century, when it was commissioned by local monarchs and aristocracy, the Neapolitan Nativity Scene reached its zenith under the reign of Charles III of Bourbon. Vegetable merchants, beggars, street vendors, shepherds from the Maiella Highlands, and other commonplace people are included among the traditional Nativity figurines. The scenario frequently includes figures linked to traditional beliefs and superstitious practices as well as those linked to Christianity. Street degli artigiani del presepe literally means “Street of the Nativity Scene Artisans” in Naples.
Emilia-Romagna
The practice of having the family patriarch light a Christmas vigil candle was historically commonplace in Emilia-Romagna. A kind of hunting called “arimblén” was prepared after sunset in order to foretell the new year’s trajectory. Desserts such as “il pan ‘d Nadel” (dialect for “Christmas bread”) were common.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
When Saint Lucy makes her annual visit to Friuli-Venezia Giulia on the evening of December 12, she brings presents for the kids.
Liguria
It used to be common practice in Liguria to decorate one’s home with long ropes embellished with macaroni, walnuts, olive branches, laurel leaves, and juniper berries. Seasonal traditional foods included corn focaccia, boiling cabbage seasoned with olive oil, and “natalini in broth” (flat macaroni with firm wheat semolina).
The sanctified spelt bread, blessed at the midnight ritual, would often be served on the table with a pinch of salt, a “cassoa” (a lattice ladle), and white bread for the poor and animals.
Lombardy
In Milan, on December 7, during Advent, there is a fair called O bei o bei that is devoted to Saint Ambrose.
Among the oldest traditions in Milan are the O bei o bei fairs, which have their origins in a celebration honoring St. Ambrose that occurred in 1288 near the historic church of “Santa Maria Maggiore.” Nonetheless, the present-day fair has its roots in 1510, when Gianetto Castiglione arrived in the city as the first Grand Master of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. To try to reawaken devotion and trust in the saints, Pope Pius IV sent Gianetto to Milan.
Molise
On December 8 and 24, in the towns of Agnone and Civitanova del Sannio in the Isernia Province, Molise celebrates a unique custom called ‘Ndocciata, a parade with gigantic flames.
Apulia
December 6, the feast of Saint Nicholas, marks the beginning of Christmas celebrations in many Apulian towns with the playing of church organ music such as “La pastorella” or “Ninna nanna.”
On the other hand, Taranto’s Christmas festivities begin the night of November 22–23 in honor of Saint Cecilia, patroness of music. As a traditional way to greet the season, local orchestras play pastorali, characteristic musical compositions, and Pettole, soft dough balls with yeast, cooked in boiling oil, are created.
Historically, in certain Bari villages, the countdown to Christmas began on Saint Lucy’s Day with the lighting of twelve candles, which were then extinguished one by one.
As the old adage goes, “Whoever does not fast for lunch on Christmas is either a Turk or a dog.” This fasting practice was observed on Christmas Eve.
Lecce hosts the annual Fair of Santa Lucia, a Christmas fair where participants construct papier-mâché nativity scenes.
Traditional Christmas celebrations continue until January 17th, after which the decorations are traditionally taken down in areas of the provinces of Brindisi and Lecce where the devotion of Saint Anthony Abbot is prevalent. In particular, in San Pancrazio Salentino, a popular saying goes something like, “Epiphany takes away all the festivities, but then comes Saint Anthony, saying, ‘Wait, wait, it’s my turn”.
Sicily
In ancient Sicily, beginning on December 13, every house would construct a Christmas cave out of what is known as “spina pulici”—a kind of interwoven wild asparagus. Typical characters in this kind of nativity tableau are the icy old man (“u zu innaru”) and the terrified child (“u spaventato”).
On Christmas Eve, it is customary to start a big fire in the main squares, or “zuccu,” of several communities in Eastern Sicily in order to keep the infant warm.
Veneto
“Bigoli” (a kind of spaghetti), “scopeton” (sardines and polenta), and other traditional Venetian dishes are served on Christmas Eve. Snails were the traditional food of the Valdane region and Val di Chiampo, but the mountain communities of Val Leogra used to eat cat in sauce, which was thought of as being comparable to rabbit.
Traditional Christmas Music in Italy
- Befanata
- Dormi, dormi, o bel Bambin (Sleep, sleep, beautiful Baby) – originated in Northern Italy
- La leggenda del lupino (The Legend of the Little Wolf)
- Lusive la lune (La canzone della notte di Natale) – a song from the 18th century, originating from Friuli
- Nacette lu Messia (The Messiah is Born)
- Natu natu Nazzaré – originated from Marche
- O Bambino mio divino (O My Divine Child) – composed by Lotti in the 18th century
- La pastorella – originated from Veneto
- Quanno nascette Ninno – composed in 1758 by Alfonso Maria de’ Liguori
- Santa Lucia – composed in 1849 by Teodoro Cottrau
- Tu scendi dalle stelle (You Come Down from the Stars) – a reworking of Quanno nascette ninno
Works such as “Vorrei salir sull’ali di una stell” (1946), “Canzone di Natale” (1950), and “Caro Gesù Bambino” (written by Piero Soffici and presented at the second edition of the children’s song contest “Zecchino d’Oro” in 1960), which are not strictly traditional, are included in the traditional panorama.
Italian Adaptations of Foreign Christmas Songs
- Astro del ciel – adaptation of “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night)
- Bianco Natale – adaptation of “White Christmas”
- Din don dan – adaptation of “Jingle Bells”
- Il piccolo tamburino – adaptation of “The Little Drummer Boy”
Non-Traditional Christmas Songs
Italian pop and rock artists, bands, songwriters, and composers have made significant contributions to the country’s holiday music. Artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Laura Pausini, Andrea Bocelli, Al Bano, and Ricchi e Poveri have a wealth of classic Christmas songs in their repertoire.
Italian Christmas Proverbs
- A Natale, o grosso o piccino, su ogni tavola c’è il tacchino (“At Christmas, big or small, on every table there’s turkey.”)
- Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi (“Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you want.”)
Weather Sayings
- A Natale, freddo cordiale (“At Christmas, cordial cold,” meaning the cold isn’t harsh.)
- Fino a Natale il freddo non fa male, da Natale in là, il freddo se ne va (“Until Christmas, the cold doesn’t hurt; from Christmas onward, the cold goes away.”)
- Natale al balcone e Pasqua al tizzone (“Christmas on the balcony, Easter at the hearth.”)
The Italian Christmas in Popular Culture
Literature
- A literary work authored by Giovannino Guareschi in 1944 was titled La Favola di Natale (The Christmas Quintet). Composed in December 1944, when he was a prisoner, it was first narrated on Christmas Eve of that same year in his internment camp barracks. Shame, hunger, and nostalgia are the three concepts that Guareschi cites as having influenced the piece.
- “Christmas” (Natale) is the title of a poem written by Giuseppe Ungaretti and published in 1969 in the book Vita di un uomo.
Theater
- Eduardo De Filippo’s comedic play “Christmas at the Cupiello’s” (Natale in casa Cupiello). Among the many great comedies written by the Neapolitan writer, this is among the most well-known.
Motion Pictures
The Christmas spirit is the driving force behind the cinepanettone-type comedies made in Italy. Carlo Vanzina’s 1983 picture “Vacanze di Natale” (Christmas Vacation) is the best in its category. Massimo Boldi and Christian De Sica have been in several holiday films together, including Vacanze di Natale ’95, Vacanze di Natale 2000, Merry Christmas, Natale sul Nilo, Natale in India, Christmas in Love, Natale a Miami, and many more.
Television
The Italian game show “Il pranzo è servito” (Lunch is Served) had a Christmas special called “La merenda è servita” that ran on Canale 5 from 1984 to 1988. The program featured a boy and a girl competing in a children’s quiz using holiday-themed recipes. The prizes were toys.
Coca-Cola, Bistefani, Gig, Sapori, Bauli, and Melegatti are just a few of the corporations whose Christmas-themed TV advertising has left a lasting impression.
