Here in America we have twenty-four shopping days in December until Christmas, but in Italy, the holiday season starts a bit earlier, lasts a bit longer and is sprinkled with more official celebrations.

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In fact, there are five holidays other than Christmas and New Year’s which are part of Italy’s stagione natalizia (Christmas season). What exactly are all the festivities about, and what might you celebrate if you find yourself in Italy in December? Read on for details.

1. December 6: La Festa di San Nicola, The Feast of Saint Nicholas

This day celebrates Saint Nicholas, patron saint of the southern Italian port city of Bari (and birthplace of my Italian grandfather). San Nicola is also believed to be the man who inspired Santa Claus traditions around the world.

His relics are kept in the basilica in Città Vecchia, the old section of Bari, and early morning on December 6 (sources tell me 4:30 am mass!), the faithful come from near and far to pray at his remains.

My cugini da Bari (my cousins from Bari) say that, following an old tradition, the day is celebrated by drinking hot chocolate. If you are named Nicola, this is your onomastico, or feast day, and you might have your hot chocolate in a bar (what we think of as a cafè) with friends.

In other cities, children leave an empty plate on their table the night before, and in the morning, the plate is filled with chocolates and goodies.

2. December 8: L’Immacolata Concezione, The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

This public holiday remembers the conception of the Virgin Mary in her mother’s womb, St. Anne. In addition to elaborate processions across the country, L’Immacolata Concezione marks the official start to the Christmas season in Italy, and many Italians begin decking their halls on this day.

My cugini say this is a day to get together with family, decorate the tree, do a little Christmas shopping at the local street markets (i mercatini), and eat panzerotti, all of which sound like a lovely way to start the season. Panzerotti are a specialty of Bari, and I can attest to the fact that you never want to miss an opportunity to eat this little pockets of deliciousness.

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3. December 13: La Festa di Santa Lucia, Saint Lucy’s Day

This day celebrates Lucia of Syracuse, who died in the year 304, and is the feast day for all those named Lucia. “Her feast once coincided with the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year before calendar reforms, so her feast day has become a festival of light.” (Wikipedia)

Some of my cugini gather the night before and celebrate with a meal of cavatelli. (There seems to be a theme here…) Knowing my family, the pasta is probably homemade and covered with steaming, mouth-watering sauce, also fatto in casa (homemade).

~ La Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve) and Natale (Christmas) ~

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These don’t technically count as part of our list of five, but I didn’t want to leave them out. Plus, now you know the names in Italian for these holidays.

4. December 26: La Festa di Santo Stefano, Saint Stephen’s Day

Catholic tradition names Saint Stephen as the first Christian martyr and his feast day, according to sources, marks the announcement baby Jesus’ birth and the arrival of the three wise men.

“Traditionally Italians stay at home with their families on Christmas day, but St. Stephen’s day is a cause for celebration; it’s a day where people wrap up and go out with friends and family,” says Italy Magazine. “Streets that the previous day lay silent and empty are alive and bustling with well-wishers, as it’s traditional for people to visit the nativity scenes inside local churches and make a small donation.”

~ La Festa di San Silvestro (New Year’s Eve) and Il Capodanno (New Year’s Day)

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San Silvestro, Saint Sylvester, was a Roman Christian who served as pope from 315 until his death on December 31, 335.

“We use it to reunite with family and friends,” says my cugina in her English (I’m so proud!) “We eat fish dishes and we have fun all together playing cards, tombola, listening to music, dancing…”

Traditional San Silvestro foods include lentils, which symbolize money and good fortune for the coming year, and pork, to represent the richness of life.

5. January 6: La Festa dell’Epifania, Epiphany

Finally, exactly one month later, the holiday season (stagione natale) concludes with Epiphany.

While Italian children hope that Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) will find them, they also believe in La Befana, an old witch-looking woman who rides a broom and delivers presents on the night before Epiphania,  which is celebrated January 6.

There are different accounts for the woman who inspired this legend, but all agree that she lived at the time of Christ’s birth. One tale says she housed the three magi on their journey to visit the newborn king, but declined their invitation to join them on their journey, another says she denied them accommodations but had a change of heart. Either way has her leaving her home and searching for baby Jesus, riding her broomstick (she was known as an excellent housekeeper) and leaving candies (caramelle) for children along the way.

Modern tradition has La Befana leaving good children toys and candy or fruit, while the naughty ones get coal, onions or garlic (carbone, cipolle, aglio). Families leave a small glass of wine and a plate with a few tidbits of food (typically local fare). Being a good housekeeper, La Befana may sweep the floor before she leaves the house, representing the sweeping away of the year’s problems. Image Credit:

Still on my wish list is to spend a December in Italy, celebrating the traditions with my family. A whole month of festivities, food, family — it’s not what I’m used to here in the states but, when in Italy….or however the saying goes. Buon Natale a tutti! Merry Christmas, everyone!

 

Resources: About.com , Becoming Italian Word by Word, Wikipedia, St. Nicholas Center

This post first appeared on Prayers and Piazzas in December 2015. ©Stacy D. Pollard, Prayers and Piazzas.