The Befana, the old lady that in the night of the Epiphany brings small gifts to children, has pre-Christian origins.
Christmas
Italian Holidays, Christmas
The Manarola nativity scene: the largest in the world
Nestled on the Hill of the Three Crosses slopes in Cinque Terre, the Manarola Nativity Scene is more than just a traditional Christmas display. It’s a dazzling spectacle of lights and heritage. Spanning an impressive 4,000 square meters and featuring over 300 life-sized figures, it earned a place in the Guinness World Records […]
The most watched Christmas movies in Italy
Whether it’s Italian classics like the Cinepanettoni or international films, we Italians are big fans of cinema and comedy. Tastes are changing, and the timeless comedies of the ’90s and early 2000s are giving way to more recent films. Here’s a list of the most-watched Christmas movies in Italy, based […]
A 29-meter Christmas tree arrives in Piazza San Pietro
As is customary during the festive season, a massive Christmas tree has been installed in St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) to celebrate the holy occasion of Christmas with grandeur and visual splendor. However, this gesture has drawn criticism from various media outlets and sparked widespread online debates. Critics have […]
Babbo Natale: The Italian Santa Claus
As the festive season approaches, many cultures around the world celebrate the spirit of Christmas with their unique traditions and iconic figures. In Italy, the joyous occasion is marked by the presence of Babbo Natale, the Italian Santa Claus. This is a cherished character who brings joy and gifts to […]
Christmas in Italy
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, one of the most important Christian festivities, but it actually has pagan origins.
An Italian Christmas Kitchen, from North to South II
Culinary tradition for Christmas in Italy. begins to change once we get to Lazio and our trip takes us to the South of the country.
The best living nativity scenes in Italy to see during the holidays
The first nativity scene, according to legend, was built in 1223 at the request of Saint Francis of Assisi. In Italy, 800 years later, the custom is still carried on by communities and cities distributed around the country. From Greccio to Genga, here is a guide to the most famous, […]
An Italian Christmas Kitchen, from North to South I
An Italian Christmas becomes a true Christmas in the kitchen: Italian habits at the table with family and friends during Christmas.
Gubbio Lights Up the World’s Largest Christmas Tree
A unique tradition, etched in the memories of every child, becomes a small yet significant triumph for a village nestled among the Umbrian hills. We’ve reached the 44th edition, warming the slopes of Mount Ingino, just behind the town of Gubbio, each year. The spirit of fraternity, teamwork, and camaraderie […]