Posted by Valerie Schneider – Panorama Italy
As I write this I am watching snowfall steadily covering the grass and I am reminded that this weekend kicks off the holiday season in Italy, ushered in officially with the festa della immacolata on December 8. Lights will be strung across narrow streets, and piazzas will be packed with people admiring the displays and enjoying festivities.
Prosecco
Our adopted city of Ascoli Piceno is particularly pretty this time of year. A skating rink will be erected in Piazza Arringo and a carousel will merrily whirl in Piazza del Popolo. The weekly mercato grows larger than usual; kids squeal in delight as one shop window after another begins to display glittery goods and appealing apparel. Despite the cold, everyone wants to be outside to stroll.
The holidays in Italy are enjoyable as they seem more sedate and less commercial than in the US. There is not the over-hyped shopping frenzy or unending, inescapable muzak flow of canned carols everywhere. Emphasis is placed on spending time with family and friends, food (no surprise there!) and enjoying the festive atmosphere in simple ways.
While there are many regional differences and traditions, we have noticed that there are some common denominators throughout the peninsula when it comes to Christmas-time celebrations.
Panettone
- Prosecco. The Italian sparkling wine of choice is popped open for aperitivo with friends, and uncorked to end holiday meals as a toast to the guests just before they depart, a sort of christening for Christmas and the upcoming new year. It is often purchased by the case and will be consumed frequently from the Immacolata right on through Epiphany.
- Panettone. Unlike the weighty fruitcakes that we grew up with, panettone is a high-rise bread-textured sweetened loaf containing small pieces of candied fruit and raisins. Huge boxes contain the confections, which are handed out like greeting cards to all acquaintances. Panettone is served at the end of nearly every meal for the next month. It is the most traditional holiday fare no matter where you go in Italy, and it can be found in commercially-produced versions at the supermarket, or homemade varieties that are proffered in the pasticcerias.
Presepio
- Presepi. By far the most popular seasonal decoration is the nativity scene. From humble mangers to elaborate displays and live, almost theatrical scenes played out in great detail, the nativity is a treasured tradition. It is said that St. Francis of Assisi created the first nativity scene, and his birthplace certainly pulls out the stops with decorative displays from around the world. Every church and town has their own version and local residents enjoy strolling from one to the next to behold the year’s new themes and variations.
Outside the snow is stopping but thoughts of the simple pleasures of the holiday season linger. If you can’t travel to Italy, you can still adopt some of these traditions to give your holidays an Italian flair. However you choose to celebrate, Bryan and I wish you buone feste.
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Valerie Schneider is a travel professional turned freelance writer and tour guide who moved to Ascoli Piceno in the beautiful region of Le Marche in 2006. She and her husband Bryan operate Panorama Italy, planning personalized journeys so travelers can experience the colors and flavors of a little known corner of Italy. Walking tours, winery visits, and genealogy trips are just a few of their offerings. Visit Panorama Italy for more information on this beautiful place and how Valerie and Bryan can help you experience it personally.
