Christmas traditions in Italy

Since Christmas is right around the corner I decided to write about some of the Christmas traditions that are in Italy.

Gli zampognari

(source: http://www.wesuvio.it/gli-zampognari-valore-e-simbolo-delle-tradizioni-di-natale/)

In central and southern regions of Italy, during the holiday season, shepherds with their bagpipes walk the streets of towns and play and sing. Their history started in the Middle Ages and these days they are essentially associated with Christmas. They play simple melodies and their melody symbol is “Tu Scendi dalle Stelle”.

In the link you can watch the performance of bagpipers.

Babbo Natale

Babbo Natale, in english Santa Claus, is one of many people who can bring you a present – in Italy at least recently, gifts were opened on the first day of Christmas in the morning before the Mass. In the north of Italy, for example in Verona region, Saint Lucy brings gifts on December 13. In the past also baby Jesus could bring you a present. Italians also celebrate the holiday on January 6 when Epiphany, an old woman, gives gifts to any good child.

Presepe

Navity scene have origins in Italy – it was first created by Saint Francis in 1223 and it was a living nativity scene. Since then many artists have outdone themselves in creating nativity scenes but the Neapolitans are considered the best creators. The tradition of nativity scenes spread to other countries and also in Poland our churches and houses are decorated with them.

Panettone & Pandoro

Panettone is a type of a sweet bread deriving from Milan, although it has origins in Roman empire, and since 18th century is associated with Christmas. It’s the most famous Italian Christmas dessert and every family eats at least one during holidays. It’s made with flour, yeast, egg yolks and seasonings with the addition of various creams, raisins or candied fruits. It takes a long time to prepare and I still can't get onto baking it :) Thankfully these days you can find it in supermarkets as it becomes more and more popular outside Italy.

(source: https://blog.giallozafferano.it/inventaricette/panettone-milanese-massari/)

On the other hand, Pandoro origins from Venice and is often sprinkled with caster sugar to resemble the Alps covered in snow.

(source: https://www.italiangourmet.it/ricette/il-pandoro/)

(Under the photos you can find links to the recipes – in italian).

Buon Natale!

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