Advent in Italy
Italian Advent, like in other Catholic countries, begins four Sundays before Christmas and is a period of preparation for the coming of Christ. In addition to the traditional Advent calendars and wreaths found in many homes, it is a typical custom in Italy to take part in the so-called "Advent". "The 'Novena', a nine-day prayer that begins on 16 December and lasts until Christmas Eve. Many Italians also attend special masses and Advent markets, which are very popular in towns and villages. The markets tend to be full of Christmas decorations, traditional crafts and good food.
Santa Claus and the devil in Italy
Italy also celebrates the feast of Saint Nicholas (San Nicola) on 6 December, who is known for his kindness and generosity. This day is particularly significant in southern Italy, especially in the city of Bari, where Saint Nicholas is the patron saint. St Nicholas brings sweets and small gifts to children, not only on the day of his feast but also on the eve of his feast, when children put their shoes on the windowsill to fill them.
Interestingly, Santa Claus is joined by the devil in some Italian regions. In some traditional stories and folk customs, the devil is depicted as a figure who comes with St Nicholas and punishes disobedient children.
Christmas in Italy
christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Italy are days when families gather and celebrate together. The Italian Christmas dinner is a festive occasion that varies by region, but popular dishes include various types of fish, roasted meats and traditional sweets such as panettone or pandoro. Panettone is a traditional Christmas yeast pastry with raisins and candied fruit, originating in Milan, while pandoro is a soft vanilla pastry (similar to a flan) in the shape of a star, originating in Verona.
After dinner, Italy immerses itself in the midnight mass, one of the most important moments of Christmas. In some towns and villages, there are also Christmas processions or theatrical performances that recapitulate the birth of Jesus.
Unwrapping presents on Christmas Eve is not the same everywhere in Italy. It depends a lot on family traditions and also on the region. In some families, children open their presents on Christmas Eve (Vigilia di Natale), usually after the festive dinner. Presents are often brought by Santa Claus (Gesù Bambino) or Santa Claus (Babbo Natale), who has become a popular figure especially in recent decades.
In more traditional Italian families, however, children wait until the morning of 25 December, Christmas Day (Natale), to open their presents. This custom is considered symbolic because it commemorates the giving of the baby Jesus to mankind. The morning of 25 December is thus full of joy and anticipation, with children getting up early to find presents under the tree.
In some regions, especially in the south of Italy or in areas where there is a strong tradition associated with the Three Kings (Epiphany), presents do not arrive until 6 January. The gifts on this day are brought either by the Three Kings themselves or by Befana.
26. december - Feast of St. Stephen
Christmas festivities continue on 26 December, when the Feast of St Stephen (Il giorno di Santo Stefano) is celebrated in Italy. This day is often set aside for relaxation, visiting friends and family, and eating lunch together. In some regions, such as Trentino, the day is associated with public celebrations, concerts or traditional markets.
Preparations for the New Year
New Year celebrations(Capodanno) are spectacular in Italy. While in the south of the country it is common to spend this day on beaches or in the countryside, in the north New Year's Eve parties and fireworks are held. An interesting custom is that in some Italian regions people wear red underwear on New Year's Day, which is supposed to bring good luck.
6. january - Three Kings and Befana
In Italy, the Christmas season ends on 6 January with the feast of the Three Kings (Epiphany). This day is very important in Italy and is associated with the traditional gift-giving to children. In some regions, celebrations and parades are held on this day. However, children are most excited about Befana.
