In America, citizens often spend their Christmas decorating Christmas trees, leaving cookies out for Santa, and setting out stockings to be filled the night before Christmas. Although these are common traditions for Americans, Christmas is celebrated differently worldwide. The special thing about Christmas in Italy is that it is celebrated with different traditions from region to region.
To start off, Christmas for all of Italy starts December 8th and goes to January 6th. Similar to America, it is a common tradition to put up Christmas trees in Italy. The only difference is that they have a specific date for this, which is December 8th. Instead of leaving cookies out for Santa, all Italians leave a glass of wine and food for Befana The Witch. On the night of January 5th (which marks the last night of Christmas) she travels through Italy on her broom and leaves sweets and presents in good children's stockings in addition to their Christmas gifts. If you have been naughty she may still visit but bring coal instead. Throughout the festive season, you can expect the smell of roasted chestnuts and the taste of torrone. In a mercatino di Natale located almost everywhere, you can expect all of this along with the twinkling of lights overhead.
Italy's outdoor Christmas markets are known for their tempting treats like candied nuts, carved ornaments, and local toys. This is by far the most beloved Italian Christmas tradition. In southern Italy, Christmas comes alive, quite literally, with presepi viventi or living nativity. Locals reenact the biblical nativity scene wearing traditional clothing. Residents dress up as Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men, Shepherds, and the Angels. It's said that this tradition started back in 1223 and continues today. In Naples presepi or manger scenes rule the Christmas season. The Via San Gregorio Armeno is lined with hand-crafted creche made by talented artisans. Over 500,000 visitors tour this “Christmas alley” each year to take in the festive atmosphere of this regional tradition. In specific northern areas of Italy like Lombardy and Veneto, kids leave out carrots and coffee for Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) and her donkey. St. Lucy is said to bring gifts December 13th. With her faithful flying donkey by her side, St. Lucy rewards good kids and brings cattivi (naughty) kids coal. In the city of Verona, the townspeople set up a massive Christmas market in honor of Santa Lucia.
Apart from the region specific traditions, Italians, like Americans, also have a big meal on Christmas Eve. Cenone (The Big Dinner) is usually a meatless meal consisting of fish as its main course. Many dishes include octopus salad, squid ink pasta, lobster spaghetti, risotto, and Italian ricotta cookies. All of this barely scratches the surface of all the unique Italian dishes, traditions and stories. It's really exciting and fun to learn how holidays are celebrated worldwide. Hopefully, you’ve learned something new.
Image Source: https://imaginapulia.com/the-magic-of-christmas-in-puglia/
Sources: https://seeitalytravel.com/8-christmas-customs-you-ll-only-find-in-italy/
https://selectitaly.com/blog/all-you-can-italy/christmas-in-italy/