Christmas in Italy

The end of the year is a party that comes with it. Throughout Italy, Christmas decorations continue to dominate as they prepare to usher in the new year. In this sense, Italians have very special traditions. These include a midnight concert with fireworks. Red underwear is also often worn as it is believed to bring good luck. Italians believe that the first person they meet when leaving home after midnight is a harbinger of what awaits them throughout the year. In this way, if you meet an older person, it means longevity and luck, but if you meet the opposite sex, it suggests that you will have great love affairs this year. In Italy, New Year's Eve is a big celebration of Christmas. In this case, their traditions are distinguished by superstitions and rituals that must be followed. The first of these said that as soon as the new year begins, one should eat zampone e lenticchie, spicy minced pork served with lentils. This plate symbolizes abundance, money and luck. At midnight, ...

Cioccolata calda: There is nothing more delicious and appetizing than a cup of cioccolata calda. If you add panna montata or spices, such as cinnamon, it remains one of the most appreciated tastes of the winter season. Vin Brulé: This traditional Italian drink can also be prepared at home. For best results, it's best to buy full-bodied red wine, oranges, lemons, and highly aromatic spices. The basic recipe can be enriched by adding red berries, honey and other spices such as star anise, cardamom, ginger and nutmeg to taste. Zabaione: A custard that immediately signifies hometown and tradition: zabaglione made with beaten egg yolks, sugar and a touch of Marsala wine. It can be served hot with dry biscuits and a portion of panna montata. Bombardino: Especially popular with skiers drinking in high-altitude cabins, the drink is made with coffee, eggnog, whiskey, and Italian cream. Again, there are many variations: the whiskey can be replaced with brandy, grappa, or rum. In winter y...

The religious, cultural and traditional heritage associated with Christmas is a dimension particularly rich in very ancient elements. Among them, the musical aspect cannot be missing, since Italy has a great tradition related to Christmas songs. These songs historically have a Christmas theme and were originally composed in Italy or even composed in other countries and rewritten in Italian. His verses are part of the collective imagination, creating the Christmas spirit year after year. He is one of the most famous Italian Christmas carols. Tu scendi dalle stelle was written in 1745 at Deliceto, Foggia, by Sant'Alfonso Maria de Liguori of Naples. The song consists of seven stanzas, six each, with a complex compositional scheme. Popular tradition quickly picked up on the letter and made some changes. Lyrics: The following link will send you to the cideo of the carol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgdy-X5cogs

Christmas is a great excuse to spend time with the family, so another Christmas tradition in Italy is enjoying the Christmas markets. Buy Christmas gifts for your loved ones little by little and buy a unique handmade ornament... The illuminated stalls, the music, the smell of mulled wine and the majestic Christmas tree create a wonderful Christmas atmosphere. The Bolzano Christmas Market is the largest and oldest Christmas market in Italy and offers many activities for adults (such as presentations of bestsellers by leading authors) and children (pony rides, carriage rides, etc.). The dates to enjoy this great Christmas market are as follows: from November 28 to January 6.

The houses and streets of cities troughout Italy begin to fill decorations and lights. Theese are the main Italian Christmas decorations made by tradition. The Christmas tree in Italy is made on December 8 and is taken down on January 6. Originally, the pine tree was mainly decorated with dried fruits, cookies, oranges, and candles. Today these are replaced my colored lights of all kinds, decorated balls, ribbons and bows. In addition, tradition, provides that a star be placed on the top. In Italian cities, during festive period, Christmas tree is set up in one of the main squares. Perhaps not everyone knows why the balls are used, Acording to a legend, a poor juggler who found himself in the streets of Bethlehem was sad because he couldn´t afford a gift to bring to Jesus, Then, he decided to made a show with his colored balls, making the boy smile. Very widespread is also the custom of making the Advent calendar. It´s a cardboard with 24 boxes that represent the days of waiting at Chr...

Christmas food in Italy is basically family friendly, and even today some modern families enjoy an Italian Christmas brunch with shared food and drinks. The most traditional option is still the great Christmas meal, which sometimes lasts several hours and offers a dozen dishes. Christmas in Italy is a time to eat meat in abundance. Meals at Natale typically begin with a traditional Italian antipasto, which includes cured meats such as salami and prosciutto, olives, roasted peppers, artichokes, local Italian cheeses, and more. The following dishes will include pasta, with some places offering fettuccine bolognese, ravioli, or pasta al forno (baked pasta). Then comes the main ingredient: meat, which can also be enjoyed in various dishes. Some families prefer broth or boiled meat, while some roast is a must. Lamb, roast beef and even stuffed guinea fowl are usually offered. After all, some families also eat some sausage or chops before dessert.