It’s not difficult to imagine Christmas in Italy being a major holiday. Although it isn’t the most important holiday on the Italian calendars, it’s certainly one of the most popular. It’s possible to travel to Italy during Christmas, but it can also be quite difficult. Let’s take a look at the Italian Christmas season and what visitors need to know.
TAH Italy also has a “Father Christmas” figure, but he is called “Babbo Natal,” and he doesn’t leave gifts in stockings for children. It’s a witch that arrives in January and not December. But I’ll get there later.
The main point you should know about Christmas for Italians is that it is primarily a family-oriented holiday. While there are some public celebrations in Italy, much of the magic that makes Christmas so special is private. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t enjoy your Christmas trip to Italy, even if it’s not with an Italian family. You should be ready for slight changes in the atmosphere.
Christmas Decor and Traditions in Italy
You will find evergreen trees strung up with lights in many piazzas throughout Italy today. However, this is an imported tradition. ZEHP They can be small enough for a shop window, or large enough to be life-size. Living nativities are displayed in front of churches during holidays in some towns. Naples is world-famous because of its production of presepi figurines, displays and decorations. In fact, one street is called “Christmas Alley” informally.
In the weeks leading up and after Christmas, there are many Christmas markets. Some continue for several weeks. German markets are the most well-known, and many Italian Christmas markets have a German flair, especially those in regions near the Austrian border. These markets are often located in the city’s main square and can be used to purchase souvenirs, last-minute gifts or Italian holiday treats.
Babbo Natale is an Italian character that looks a lot like Santa Claus. He’s not the one who brings Christmas presents, so he isn’t a prominent figure in Italian Christmas stories. FAH La Befana claimed that she was too busy to go with the Three Wise Men on their journey to the Baby Jesus. She then got lost when she tried to reach the manger. She is believed to have left gifts for each child every night prior to Epiphany in the hope that one of them would be the Baby Jesus.
Many of the Christmas dishes are sweet and special. net These sweet breads are often displayed in bakery windows as they lead up to the holiday. They are wrapped in cellophane and ribbons. roh) is another sweet bread, this one missing the candied fruit but adding a dusting of powdered sugar. FOH Christmas Eve dinner is usually a combination of fish and meat. Christmas Day meals are primarily meat-based.
It’s Christmas in Italy!
While Italy’s Christmas season offers many benefits, there are also some downsides to visiting the country during Christmas.
Christmas falls in the middle of Italy’s winter. This would lead you to believe that it’s low season, and therefore cheap to visit. But think again. It’s true that it’s low season but the holiday is so popular, there’s an increase in crowds and prices. Although it isn’t at high season levels, it is something you should be aware of, especially if your destination is Rome or . To get the best rates, you should book your accommodation in advance.
On Christmas, both transportation and attractions schedules can be restricted or non-existent. While holidays in Italy do not completely shut down transport, they can alter schedules – sometimes quite dramatically. If there are fewer trains running on any given day, it means that they will be busier. Christmas Day is often one of the few days that major attractions, shops, and restaurants are closed. It would be smart to plan your itinerary so that your travel days fall before or after Christmas Day. Make sure you check the hours of any attractions that you may want to visit so you know when they are closed. You can book guided tours for Christmas Day in advance so that you know what part of your day you will spend.
Even if your religion is not Christmas, it might be worth looking for a Christmas service. Although the main churches can be packed, there are often many churches in smaller towns. If you are lucky enough to find a place in one, it is likely that they will be empty. If you need to locate a service in your language, you can also ask at the tourist information bureau. Ask about any other holiday celebrations while you are there, such as bonfires or processions.
You’re not alone if you want to see the Pope perform Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Tickets for the Midnight Mass at Christmas Eve are free. However, you need to plan ahead – it can take months. – to be even remotely close to getting one. Even if you don’t receive a ticket to the event, you can still join the crowds at St. Peter’s Square and watch it live on huge screens.
