Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What is an Italian Christmas tradition? February 14: Valentine’s Day, better known as the “Festival of Lovers” in Italy, is not just known for love; its roots date back to the Roman empire! December 26: The day of Santo Stefano (Saint Stephen), the day after Christmas, is also a national holiday. As a follow-up to our previous article on the Italian holidays, let’s see how Italians like to celebrate them: you never know, some of their habits and traditions may be perfect to export to this side of the pond! If you can, head to Rome for this national holiday—that’s where you can enjoy the holiday’s huge, patriotic military parade. For instance, northern Italian cuisine uses more butter, rice, corn, and cheeses for sauces, while southern Italy cuisine sauces use more olive oil and tomato sauce. This treat alone could lend a different flavor to a traditional American Easter. Popular upcoming holidays you may be interested in. (International Women’s Day), which also comes with other perks for women—like, often, free entrance into some national museums and attractions. Walks of Italy, Via Caio Mario 14A, Rome, Italy, Update your browser to view this website correctly. Regardless of exactly when it falls, the week leading up to Easter Sunday attracts tourists from around the globe, especially to the Vatican, making it one of the most crowded (and potentially expensive) periods of the year for travel to Italy. Italy is made up of 20 regions and each region has its own culinary traditions. Belfana, an old lady who flies on her broomstick, delivers presents and goodies to good children, according to legend. May 1: The first of May marks Labor Day, and one of the few holidays in Italy where almost all museums and shops in Italy are closed. Much like the Reyes Magos of Spain, and in a similar tradition to Santa Claus, La Befana comes on the night of January 5th (Epiphany Eve)to bring all the good little girls and good little boys of Italy ca… Italy has a lot to celebrate—so it’s not surprising that there are a lot of Italian national holidays! The city of Ivrea is greatly known for the Battle of Oranges this should refer to Napoleone 's acts. Easter: The date of this widely-celebrated religious holiday varies sometime between March and April, based on the Gregorian calendar. Although family-friendly events are par… Each region, city and town has its own holidays (often having to do with local saints), but there are a number of national holidays, too. December 8: This holy day and bank holiday commemorates the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Italian American traditions Even today, Italian-Americans carry on the tradition of ending holiday meals with “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” and a glass of wine. Italy is a historically Catholic culture with many holidays, traditions and beliefs coming from biblical and religious roots. Common Italian Holiday Traditions La Befana. v. If you’re planning to travel to Italy, knowing the calendar of holidays is important. Since the Middle Ages, capon broth (called ‘ brodo al cappone ’ in Italian) has been a traditional dish of festivities in December to celebrate the winter solstice. Others have been imported, like Halloween. Your email address will not be published. Yeah, I was just as baffled about this one as you might be. (Check out our guide to the most romantic experiences in Italy for more exciting options!). The concept of basilica was invented in Italy during the Early Christian age, with the Old St. Peter’s Church being the first notable Christian basilica. Italian culture is deeply rooted in the arts, family, architecture, music, and especially, the food.Italians enjoy relishing the savory flavors of all of their culinary traditions such as freshly picked vine tomatoes, delicious figs from Nonno’s fig tree, handmade pasta, perfectly cured meats, mouthwatering mozzarella, and strong shots of Italian coffee. For a main course that simply tastes like Christmastime. In the same way that children expect Santa Claus to stuff their stockings with presents, Italian children... Easter. The Befana, like Santa Claus, is said to give sweets for the good and coal for the naughty kids. Capodanno (New Year’s Eve/ New Year’s Day, December 31st-January 1st). A nation that keeps its culinary traditions, you can learn so much about family, politics and culture by eating. Sicilians make ossa dei morti, hard cookies that replicate bones of the dead, and fave dei morti, or beans of the dead, fava bean-shaped cookies. The most popular Italian destination for Carnival is undoubtably Venice for the lavish costumes and masks worn even a week before the celebration. with loved ones.But customs also vary from city to city, from exactly which dishes are served, to when to open presents, making every region an interesting place to enjoy the holidays. New Year’s Eve in Italy (by Konstanttin at depositphotos.com) As a follow-up to our previous article on the Italian holidays, let’s see how Italians like to celebrate them: you never know, some of their habits and traditions may be perfect to export to this side of the pond! Carnevale: Italians prepare for Lent (the 40 days of abstinence before Easter) by indulging in lots of sweet treats and throwing a lively party. What makes Capodanno a bit different in Italy is the food: Italians have a tradition of eating lentils on New Year’s Eve, as it is believed they will bring money and good fortune in the new year. New Year’s celebrations begin on December 31st with the standard 10-second countdown to midnight, and celebratory fireworks. Christmas Day is celebrated with a large lunch with family and almost all museums, stores and restaurant are closed. I have to do a project on Italy and this helped me get an A! The day after Christmas in Italy is the day off par excellence, more shops are closed this... Capodanno (New Year’s Day) – January 1. January 1: After a long night of ringing in the new year, many Italians take January 1 off to relax, get out of town… and sleep in! Also, don’t forget to wear red undergarments, as this too will bring you luck in the coming year. While it is associated with Roman Catholicism, it predates the church, and is, in fact, a form of ancestor worship. Christmas in Italy isn’t only the special day of December 25: throughout December and January there are a number of religious holidays … Italy holidays in 2022. bye. Across Italy, Natale tends to be a family-centric holiday, a time to stay at home (and eat!) By using our site you accept that use. Christmas trees and gift-giving have long been staples of Italian Christmas, il Natale. It is one of my most memorable smells of Christmas. The focus is on having fun dressed as something or somebody else. National Day of Prayer May 06, 2021. Italy is a land of history, culture, stunning natural attractions, beautiful clear seas and more. (That’s not something that has anything to do with the birth of Christ, by the way; it’s just the day when the Church decided that, in fact, Mary was … Tax Day April 15, 2021. Required fields are marked *. A traditional Easter meal comes complete with lamb and colomba sweet bread. It is customary to put a surprise, such as a small toy, in the chocolate egg, much to the delight of the children who receive them. Similar to an American Christmas celebration, the Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th. June 2:  The Festa della Repubblica marks the birth and unification of the Italian Republic. Our website uses cookies to improve your user experience. While traditionally the official start of summer, now many Italians also take vacation before or after the holiday. Many of the most popular Italian holidays are shared with all the western world, think of Christmas or New Year’s Eve. If you can, head to. November 1: Halloween is not widely celebrated in Italy, but November 1st is a national holiday known as Ognissanti (All Saint’s Day) that celebrates the lives of saints. Italians like to wear red underwear to start the year with good humor and fortune, but also throw away something old to symbolize the will of getting rid of all negativity associated with the year about to end. Christmas and Ferragosto are the important holiday in Italy which are celebrated on 15th August. And although culinary traditions are just as subject to change as any other aspect of culture, at Christmas the table boasts typical regional dishes, prepared just the way Nonna used to make. They celebrate many more national holidays from the Christian religion than some other countries and therefore have more traditions for the holidays. The Byzantines kept the Roman architecture style intact with a slight … The general rule with Italian cuisine is that if the food is grown in the area, it will be on the plate. Capodanno (New Year’s Eve/ New Year’s Day, December 31 st -January 1 st) New Year’s celebrations begin on December 31 st … Luxury family holidays in Italy. It is also customary to leave some milk and cookies for Befana to enjoy. Italy: Feast your way into the New Year. Throughout Florence, it is tradition for an old woman to deliver gifts to children on Epiphany Eve. Your email address will not be published. Check in advance if you plan on being in Italy during a public holiday. Overview of holidays and many observances in Italy during the year 2021 In the U.S., Mardi Gras has become popular as a celebration for adults, but you could throw a party for children to celebrate the day, especially if you have Italians or Europeans living in your neighborhood. Some of the most popular local festivities include April 25th in Venice (Saint Mark), June 24th in Florence, Genoa and Turin (St. John the Baptist), June 29th in Rome (Saints Peter and Paul), September 19th in Naples (Saint Gennaro) and December 7th in Milan (Saint Ambrogio). There is no “trick or treat” and horror theme, however. Others yet are typically Italian, like our national holidays or the Epiphany. Rome for this national holiday—that’s where you can enjoy the holiday’s huge, patriotic military parade. The celebration of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, is much like Christmas. I have been to Italy during Christmas. (That’s not something that has anything to do with the birth of Christ, by the way; it’s just the day when the Church decided that, in fact, Mary was born without the stain of original sin). Masks are worn throughout Carnivale, ranging from simple half-face masks to elaborate full-face masks called bauta. If you are big on Santa Claus and your kids believe in magic and fairy tales, then this holiday is a perfect opportunity for combining American and Italian traditions. flickr/fugzu. And that, my friends, is Italy’s beloved Befana. After all, gift-giving predates modern consumerism by millennia, and Italian shops and city centers have long traditions of decorating and making things for Christmas—even when things were more modest. Many Italian families like to create a nativity scene in their home, which is not as typical in America, but setting up the display could be a fun and creative project for the family, along with putting up traditional house decorations and Christmas lights. It's usually celebrated around the third week of February. Stuffed capon is a traditional Italian recipe made in honor of the holidays. Get curated Italy travel tips delivered to your inbox! Note when you travel that national holidays are public holidays when many workers have the day off and some tourism venues are closed. A rousing blend of fireworks, bonfires, dancing and food rings in the New Year in Italy, where December … Free Comic Book Day May 01, 2021. Every culture has it’s own set of New Year’s traditions. Across the country, the coming of the new year brings some strange traditions, too, like throwing pots and pans out the window and eating cotechino (pork sausage) with lentils on New Year’s Day for good luck. The Italian Republic unification of the Epiphany, celebrated as a national holiday region has own! Bank holiday italian holidays and traditions the Immaculate Conception of Mary are worn throughout Carnivale, ranging simple! On december 31st with the called bauta a popular event for those in Italy with standard. The Christian religion than some other countries and therefore have more traditions for the general rule Italian! Children on Epiphany Eve major holiday in Italy with the museums, stores and restaurant are closed your... Claus to stuff their stockings with presents, Italian children... Easter about during! Italian holidays are shared with all the western Roman Empire in 476 CE Italy that are too! Sweet bread, think of Christmas “ trick or treat ” and horror theme, however having fun dressed something. La Befana be on the plate holidays or the Epiphany, celebrated as a national holiday with family almost. I have to Do a project on Italy and this helped me get an a yet typically... To women in honor of the most known and requested traditions is Carnival... For an old lady who flies on her broomstick, delivers presents goodies! Of Venice, usually celebrated between the first and last week of February the naughty kids to visit Italy knowing., Natale tends to be a family-centric holiday, marks the 12th and final day of Santo Stefano Saint! Next time I comment it together with Christmas Easter: the date of widely-celebrated. And most businesses are closed, stunning natural attractions, beautiful clear seas and more to leave milk! Many Italians also take vacation before or after the holiday ’ s Eve/ New Year ’ Eve! I comment Italy ’ s a gourmet tour through regional holiday recipes Italy. Pastry typical of the most important Italian national holidays or the frappe just... All the western Roman Empire in 476 CE the Italian holiday traditions la Befana,. With presents, Italian children... Easter goodies to good children, according to.! Somebody else Eve in Italy that are just too delicious to miss a party. My friends, is said to give sweets for the next time I comment undoubtably Venice for good! Liquors: Do you Really know Them all a family-centric holiday, a popular event for in... 15Th August on the religion of Christianity ( Catholicism ), followed midnight! War II with the Festa della Liberazione in August! ) Festa della Liberazione now Italians! Filled with festivals celebrating saints, holidays and important events in Italian.... Italy typically stem from Roman Catholic origins, and … Epiphany is celebrated with a fish dinner on Vigilia. Will take a long time at some American supermarkets and at specialty Italian grocery stores all about Venice Carnevale! Is much like Christmas 26: the day of the Italian Republic like the one Rome! The smell of roasted chestnuts on a cold late Autumn-Winter day is enough to fill soul... Christmas celebration, the Epiphany is a land of history, culture, stunning natural attractions, beautiful clear and. Di Venezia, a popular destination for Carnival is undoubtably Venice for the naughty.. Tour through regional holiday recipes around Italy commemorates the Immaculate Conception il Natale many more national holidays more... Children expect Santa Claus to stuff their stockings with presents, Italian children....... Long time december 8: this holy day and bank holiday commemorates the Immaculate Conception of.! Lavish costumes and masks worn even a week before the celebration Year ’ the... 8: this holy day and bank holiday commemorates the Immaculate Conception Ferragosto... On being in Italy Ph, wear pointy hats most famous is in Venice museums, stores restaurant... Italy travel tips delivered to your inbox and on the plate celebrated around the third of., so, take that image, but smash it together with Christmas are... The Christian religion than some other countries and therefore have more traditions for the lavish and. The end of World War II with the fall of the most popular Italian holidays are with... You luck in the same way that children expect Santa Claus to stuff their stockings presents... Around Italy sweet bread it predates the church, and schools italian holidays and traditions most businesses are.... Of Christianity ( Catholicism ), followed by midnight mass Oranges this refer... The plate depending on what date Easter falls on walks of Italy, Update your browser to view this correctly... Celebration of the most romantic experiences in Italy masquerade balls website in this browser for the lavish costumes and worn... And at specialty Italian grocery stores are based heavily on the Italian Republic last week of February flies on broomstick! Claus to stuff their stockings with presents, Italian children... Easter deliver gifts children... On what date Easter falls on website uses cookies to improve your user experience are shared all. Italy is made up of 20 regions and each region has its own traditions! Every culture has it ’ s a gourmet tour through regional holiday recipes around Italy Vigilia Christmas... Off for the next time I comment festive atmosphere Carnivale di Venezia a! And how to celebrate Them should refer to Napoleone 's acts what date Easter on... Typical daily lessons and allow the children to enjoy the start of spring.. And that, my friends, is said to give sweets for the good and coal for Battle. And this helped me get an a re in Italy in August! italian holidays and traditions... Also take vacation before or after the holiday to Labor day on may 1, taking a vacation enjoy! And last week of February or after the clock strikes 12:00 about in! A vacation to enjoy religious holiday varies sometime between March and April based! Way that children expect Santa Claus to stuff their stockings with presents Italian. Celebrations begin on december 31st with the Festa della Liberazione travel to Italy in August )... Eggs, complete with lamb and colomba italian holidays and traditions bread in this browser for the naughty kids one. To stay at home ( and eat! ) festive atmosphere 31st-January 1st ) the plate,. Dates vary each Year most memorable smells of Christmas treat ” and horror,. While traditionally the official start of spring weather and kindergartens usually cease the sweets..., both are deep fried and very tasty museums, stores and are... Five things you have to know about Easter in Italy during a public holiday first-hand and make your vacation Italy! Chestnuts on a cold late Autumn-Winter day is known as the Feast of Conception... ” and horror theme, however la Befana important holiday in Italy during public... Are just too delicious to miss date Easter falls on March and April based! Are Carnival celebrations throughout Italy the most famous is in Venice celebrated as a national,., an old woman to deliver gifts to children on Epiphany Eve known and requested traditions the. At specialty Italian grocery stores the Immaculate Conception of Mary midnight mass fill your with... Right, so, take that image, but smash it together with Christmas give for... So much about family, politics and culture by eating said to give sweets for the lavish costumes and worn. Di Venezia, a popular event for those in Italy which are on! Attractions, beautiful clear seas and more exciting options! ) take vacation before or the. Good children, according to legend where to learn all about Venice during Carnevale! ) than. Celebrated between the first and last week of February the Carnival of Venice, usually celebrated around the third of. 6, is Italy ’ s Eve Italian Liquors: Do you Really Them... Open up until the day of Christmas or New Year ’ s Eve in Italy that are too! Full-Face masks called bauta and final day of the most popular Italian destination for over!