Italy is one of the best places to be around Christmas as the colorful way in which the festival is celebrated, fascinates many. Christmas in Italy means a season of celebrations and not just celebrating one particular day.
Christmas in Italy is celebrated for 3 weeks beginning around 8 days before Christmas, which falls on The 25th of December, and going on till the 6th of January. Though the birth of Jesus is celebrated on the 25th December other traditions and customs are observed since many days in advance.
In small towns a week prior to Christmas, little children dressed as shepherds go from door to door, collecting gifts and goodies. They also sing Carols and recite Christmas poems. The inspiration for this however remains the Crèche, which is decorated in every church and even public places and homes. This Nativity scene or the Crèche is popular everywhere and thoroughly respected by all.
The St. Peter’s square in the Vatican City is the place to be while celebrating Christmas in Italy. Around noon, people gather here in large numbers to seek blessings from the Pope. At twilight candles are lit around the Presepio and attending the Midnight Mass is mandatory. The religious aspect governs the celebrations of Christmas In Italy and generally a meatless feast is served on the Christmas Eve.
The Christmas Day however is more fun in nature and a large number of delicacies essentially meat based is served.
Out of the various traditions and beliefs that follow the celebrations of Christmas in Italy, the visits by ‘La Befana’, rules the most. It is believed that ‘La Befana’ visits little children and gives away gifts while on her sojourn to meet baby Jesus. However it is not on Christmas day that she would visit but on the day of Epiphany that is 6th January when she undertakes her journey to Bethlehem.
In many parts of Italy, Christmas is celebrated in unique ways that entices the tourists all the more. While the city of Torino is best visited for its display of lights, people love to visit Naples for its Nativity scenes or the Crèches. Also the tradition of serving the dish of seven fish attracts many.
Holidays Hub offers online information on Christmas in Italy. For more information, visit Holidays Hub
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