While there are carnival celebrations throughout Italy the most famous is in Venice. One of the most known and requested traditions is the Carnival of Venice , usually celebrated between the first and last week of February. Yeah, I was just as baffled about this one as you might be. The greatest feast of the ancient Roman Empire, "Saturnalia" (a winter solstice celebration), just happens to … Not only are... What to know about visiting Florence at Christmas and New... Be honest; how frequently do you happen upon an item in your home that you'd love to discard, but... Christmas is a major holiday in Italy… which means Italians celebrate lots of great,... Stay up to date with travel tips, local insights and all things Italy on our social channels! A traditional Easter meal comes complete with lamb and colomba sweet bread. Popular upcoming holidays you may be interested in. By using our site you accept that use. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The kind that fly on broomsticks, wear pointy hats. This treat alone could lend a different flavor to a traditional American Easter. Although family-friendly events are par… Family life is a founding principle for Italians, so it should come as no surprise that the beginning of spring... All Saints Day. This was so helpful! Italians celebrate most Christian holidays. Others yet are typically Italian, like our national holidays or the Epiphany. 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! Italy is a historically Catholic culture with many holidays, traditions and beliefs coming from biblical and religious roots. Dates vary each year, depending on what date Easter falls on. Walks of Italy, Via Caio Mario 14A, Rome, Italy, Update your browser to view this website correctly. Luxury family holidays in Italy. These flowers are given to women in honor of. 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. From large cities to small towns, Italians honor the patron saint of their home town each year by taking the day off and celebrating with events like parades and markets. 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. Christmas is a major holiday in Italy… which means Italians celebrate lots of great, unique Christmas traditions! Italians set out a large sock, or stocking, by the fireplace on the night of the 5th, so that the old woman named Befana, a female Santa Claus-like character, will come and fill it with sweets and presents – if the child was good – or charcoal – if the child was bad. Italians remember the end of World War II with the. New Year’s Eve in Italy (by Konstanttin at depositphotos.com). (Here’s where to learn all about Venice during Carnevale!). 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. Others have been imported, like Halloween. (Here are five things to know before traveling to Italy in August!). Free Comic Book Day May 01, 2021. Most Famous Italian Liquors: Do you Really Know Them All. Day of the Dead is well known as a holiday in Mexico, but Italians celebrate it too. December 26: The day of Santo Stefano (Saint Stephen), the day after Christmas, is also a national holiday. Get curated Italy travel tips delivered to your inbox! Update my browser now, If you’re in Italy in early March, you may notice yellow mimosa flowers, well, everywhere! A rousing blend of fireworks, bonfires, dancing and food rings in the New Year in Italy, where December … 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. Epiphany is a public holiday. marks the birth and unification of the Italian Republic. Your email address will not be published. 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. Christmas in Italy isn’t only the special day of December 25: throughout December and January there are a number of religious holidays … In Venice they celebrate Carnivale di Venezia, a two-week party in early spring. The day after Christmas in Italy is the day off par excellence, more shops are closed this... Capodanno (New Year’s Day) – January 1. Here’s the calendar of the most important Italian national holidays… and how to celebrate them! The celebration of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, is much like Christmas. Italy holidays in 2020. Don’t try to shop with an Italian if you don’t like shopping because it will take a long time. (Don’t miss our fun video about la befana for more!). It is also customary to leave some milk and cookies for Befana to enjoy. March 8: If you’re in Italy in early March, you may notice yellow mimosa flowers, well, everywhere! flickr/fugzu. While it is associated with Roman Catholicism, it predates the church, and is, in fact, a form of ancestor worship. Facts about Italian Culture 10: Italian holidays. These flowers are given to women in honor of la Festa delle Donne (International Women’s Day), which also comes with other perks for women—like, often, free entrance into some national museums and attractions. Prepare for Christmas like a real Italian with a fish dinner on la Vigilia (Christmas Eve), followed by midnight mass! According to Italian traditions, it’s customary to eat lentils after the clock strikes 12:00. (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 … Italian chocolate eggs, complete with their small gift, can be found at some American supermarkets and at specialty Italian grocery stores. Byzantine architecture widely spread in Italy with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. December 31: New Year’s Eve is one of the most important celebrations in Italy; you’ll find piazzas full of strangers celebrating together at midnight with fireworks lighting up the sky! The Byzantines kept the Roman architecture style intact with a slight … December 25: Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Italy, thanks in large part to the gorgeous decorations and festive atmosphere. Belfana, an old lady who flies on her broomstick, delivers presents and goodies to good children, according to legend. This celebratory day is known as The Feast of Immaculate Conception. A nation that keeps its culinary traditions, you can learn so much about family, politics and culture by eating. The most popular Italian destination for Carnival is undoubtably Venice for the lavish costumes and masks worn even a week before the celebration. Many of the most popular Italian holidays are shared with all the western world, think of Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Required fields are marked *. The day is a Public Holiday for the whole of Italy and is believed to be the day that Mary was proverbially reborn and saved by God that intervened in her life. The beaches of Sardegna, a popular destination for Italians over ferragosto. 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… The mother of all holy days is actually celebrated in Italy pretty much the same as it is in the U.S., with Christmas trees and the exchange of gifts. December 8: This holy day and bank holiday commemorates the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The general rule with Italian cuisine is that if the food is grown in the area, it will be on the plate. June 2:  The Festa della Repubblica marks the birth and unification of the Italian Republic. National Day of Prayer May 06, 2021. While traditionally the official start of summer, now many Italians also take vacation before or after the holiday. 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. The way Italians celebrate Easter is not very different from the way it is celebrated by Americans, but Italians typically enjoy chocolate eggs and the colomba, an Easter cake similar to panettone, instead of chocolate Easter Bunnies, because rabbits are not part of the symbolism of Easter in Italian culture. Masks are worn throughout Carnivale, ranging from simple half-face masks to elaborate full-face masks called bauta. 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. 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. August 15: This marks the official beginning of ferragosto, when Italians close up shop and, traditionally, head to the beach or mountains. But if you do have love on your mind, there are lots of romantic experiences to choose from in Italy, like a hot air balloon ride in Tuscany or a spending the night in a castle. What is an Italian Christmas tradition? For a main course that simply tastes like Christmastime. 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. Tax Day April 15, 2021. The Day of the Immaculate Conception is often considered the start of the Christmas season, when lights and nativity scenes go up and world-famous Christmas markets commence. Carnevale (Mardi Gras/Carnevale, the two weeks before beginning of Lent). Check in advance if you plan on being in Italy during a public holiday. Across Italy, Natale tends to be a family-centric holiday, a time to stay at home (and eat!) Christmas, as it is celebrated in Italy, has two origins: the familiar traditions of Christianity blended with the pagan traditions predating the Christmas era. Italy is a land of history, culture, stunning natural attractions, beautiful clear seas and more. Especially in Rome, one particularly popular tradition is that of la befana, a witch on a broomstick who brings candy and coal to children in their stockings the night before. 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. Our website uses cookies to improve your user experience. love you babes. Santo Stefano – December 26. Carnevale: Italians prepare for Lent (the 40 days of abstinence before Easter) by indulging in lots of sweet treats and throwing a lively party. The traditions of Christmas in Italy are based heavily on the religion of Christianity (Catholicism), and on the Italian holiday calendar. Religious festivals in Italy typically stem from Roman Catholic origins, and … https://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/italian-christmas-recipes 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. 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! 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. There is no “trick or treat” and horror theme, however. 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. They celebrate many more national holidays from the Christian religion than some other countries and therefore have more traditions for the holidays. 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. guide to the most romantic experiences in Italy, five things you have to know about Easter in Italy, Discover more Christmas traditions with our guide. Common Italian Holiday Traditions La Befana. December 8: This holy day and bank holiday commemorates the Immaculate Conception of Mary. (International Women’s Day), which also comes with other perks for women—like, often, free entrance into some national museums and attractions. This holiday, which takes place on January 6th, is celebrated with a wonderful parade of people winding through Florence to the Piazza Duomo in Renaissance costumes to honor the arrival of the three Wise Men. Revelers wearing masks for Carnevale in Venice. Some sights will be open, but always double-check, since most state-run attractions (as well as stores and restaurants) will be closed. Christmas in Italy kicks into high gear around the 8th of December each year. Christmas Day is celebrated with a large lunch with family and almost all museums, stores and restaurant are closed. Everybody dresses up and children love it. 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. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Children can write letters to her requesting specific gifts. Every culture has it’s own set of New Year’s traditions. Want to celebrate Easter like the Italians? Although the spirit and the tradition of these festivities are very different, Italians celebrate Mardi Gras/Carnevale just as Americans celebrate Halloween: they dress up. Capodanno (New Year’s Eve/ New Year’s Day, December 31 st -January 1 st) New Year’s celebrations begin on December 31 st … Here's how to have an Italian meal on Christmas Eve and New Year's... recipes and photos... What to know about Christmas in Venice, from Christmas markets to gift shopping to midnight... Christmas markets in Italy are one of our favorite parts of, well, Christmas in Italy! Adding these little touches of Italian tradition to your New Year’s Eve party, would certainly lend a bit of Italian flavor to an American celebration. bye. Mardi Gras February 16, 2021. Here’s a gourmet tour through regional holiday recipes around Italy. Christmas trees and gift-giving have long been staples of Italian Christmas, il Natale. January 6: The Epiphany, celebrated as a national holiday, marks the 12th and final day of Christmas. taking a vacation to enjoy the start of spring weather. Italy is made up of 20 regions and each region has its own culinary traditions. I have been to Italy during Christmas. Would love your thoughts, please comment. The Pope’s Good Friday vigil in Rome, a popular event for those in Italy at Easter. 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. (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). 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! Many extend the holiday to Labor Day on May 1, taking a vacation to enjoy the start of spring weather. It is one of my most memorable smells of Christmas. 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! It is marked by parties, parades, live performances of music and, most famously, masquerade balls. December in cities like Florence comes with perks, including Christmas markets! Capodanno (New Year’s Eve/ New Year’s Day, December 31st-January 1st). Elementary schools and kindergartens usually cease the typical daily lessons and allow the children to enjoy a day-long party on school premises. Italy has a lot to celebrate—so it’s not surprising that there are a lot of Italian national holidays! Italy: Feast your way into the New Year. In the same way that children expect Santa Claus to stuff their stockings with presents, Italian children... Easter. National Ice Cream Day July 18, 2021. Rome for this national holiday—that’s where you can enjoy the holiday’s huge, patriotic military parade. You know witches? The focus is on having fun dressed as something or somebody else. Your email address will not be published. Besides, Easter is also popular holiday in Italy. Carnevale in February. Upcoming holidays in. The smell of roasted chestnuts on a cold late Autumn-Winter day is enough to fill your soul with pleasure. 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. v. And family holidays here allow you to explore all of this, whether you prefer to immerse yourselves in the many sights of the cities or relax on the beach. (Here are five things you have to know about Easter in Italy!). 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. Italy holidays in 2022. April 25: Italians remember the end of World War II with the Festa della Liberazione. And that, my friends, is Italy’s beloved Befana. It's usually celebrated around the third week of February. On Easter Monday (called Pasquetta), the festivities continue with friends getting together and heading to a park or the countryside, usually for a picnic. The castagnole are a fried pastry typical of the Carnival in Italy Ph. Customs and traditions in Italy include the Lily Festival, Olive and Bruschetta Festival, swordfish hunts and other celebrations of food, wine, religion, history, the arts and agriculture. The city of Ivrea is greatly known for the Battle of Oranges this should refer to Napoleone 's acts. I have to do a project on Italy and this helped me get an A! The typical sweets of Carnevale are the castagnole or the frappe. New Year’s celebrations begin on December 31st with the standard 10-second countdown to midnight, and celebratory fireworks.