What decorations does Italy use for Christmas?
These days, you will see more greenery and lights appearing in Italian homes starting sometime in the beginning of December. But if you want traditional Italian holiday decorations you need a presepe and a Befana.
What do Italian do for Christmas traditions?
One old Italian custom is that children go out Carol singing and playing songs on shepherds pipes, wearing shepherds sandals and hats. On Christmas Eve, it’s common that no meat (and also sometimes no dairy) is eaten. Often a light seafood meal is eaten and then people go to the Midnight Mass service.
What gifts do Italians give on Christmas?
Give your friends and family a little piece of Italy this year by following our guide to the best gifts for everyone on your list.
- Italian art. Photo: Tolga Akmen/AFP.
- Italian food. Photo: N i c o l a/Flickr.
- Limoncello.
- A Befana doll.
- Symbols of your new hometown.
- A nativity figure.
- A modern Italian book.
- Locally-made ornaments.
Who delivers presents on Christmas in Italy?
Befana
In Italian folklore, Befana (pronounced [beˈfaːna]) is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to St. Nicholas or Santa Claus. A popular belief is that her name derives from the Feast of Epiphany (Italian: Festa dell’Epifania).
What do the Italians eat on Christmas Eve?
Italians have the right idea by abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve. Instead, the tradition is for Italians to eat fish dishes. But even with this common practice, another tradition is to go to town with the fish meals on 24th December.
What do children get for Christmas in Italy?
Sometimes even a St Nicholas visits the homes of children. Then children sing a Christmas carol or recite a poem. If the children have been good children throughout the last year, they will get some fruits, nuts and sweets from St Nicholas, the naughty ones get usually also a sweet, but one looking like coal.
When do they exchange Christmas gifts in Italy?
But as in true Italian style, gifts are exchanged only on January 6 that is the day of Epiphany. Then ‘la befana’, an old lady, comes in search to the houses for search of the Christ Child. Christmas Stockings for everyone. Children hang up their stockings, so that the befana can bring presents to the good children.
Where are the best Christmas markets in Italy?
Christmas markets with various stalls with typical food, Christmas sweets and gifts can be visited in many towns especially in Italy’s northern Alto-Adige Region. In the image above you see the Christmas market in Bolzano and the image below shows a popular Christmas market in Rome.