December 25 (Christmas Day)
August 15 - Ferragosto
Carnevale - Mardi Gras
November 1 - All Saints’ Day
6th of January - Epiphany (miracle)
25th of April - Liberation day, San Marco
1st of January - Capodanno/New Year
May 1
December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Easter (Pasqua)
The presepe (Nativity scene) is often seen outdoors, particularly outside churches. The Nativity scene is popular custom that has spread across to many countries. It is common practice for Italian children write letters to Babbo Natale asking for presents.
If Italians have the same name as a saint, it is a special day for them too. The holiday was moved to autumn so that the Church could christianize the pagan feast of the Celtic New Year, which allowed for celebrations to last three whole days.
The festivals of the Emperor Augustus were introduced back in 18 BC, probably to celebrate a battle victory, and were celebrated alongside other ancient Roman summer festivals. These festivities were linked to the longer Augustali period - intended to be a period of rest after months of hard labour. Roman Catholics celebrate the Assumption of the virgin Mary into Heaven - the day when Catholics believe Mary ascended to heaven "body and soul" after the end of her life on earth.
For this holiday special sweets are baked, such as castagnole. Children throw confetti at each other and they dress up as their favorite characters.
During this holiday Italians wear red underwear. Whether you plan on anybody seeing them or not, the colour of your underwear should be red. Italians used to throw away old pots, pans, clothes, appliances, even furniture out the window. It’s meant to symbolize “letting go” of past unhappiness to prepare yourself for the future.
The celebration in Italy was in the late 1800s to recognize workers’ achievements in fighting for their rights. Farmers and other workers traditionally took the day off to eat, socialize and dance. The holiday was briefly cancelled in the early 1900s, but it was reintroduced once more in 1945 following World War II.
On this day children wake up to find presents from the Befana, an ancient Santa Claus-like figure with the appearance of an old, benevolent hag, all trussed up in old clothes and shoes and flying on a broomstick. Her name originally meant "giver of gifts". Just like Santa Claus, she flies down chimneys to fill stockings with toys and candy. In some areas of Italy, the Befana leaves toys and candies for good children, and pieces of coal for the naughty ones.
Common in small towns and villages, many Italians celebrate the Immaculate Conception by lighting huge bonfires. According to traditional beliefs, these fires destroy sins and remove negative energy from communities.
Each Italian town holds its own colorful procession with thousands of performances depicting the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Depending on the region, Italians eat “La Colomba,” a dove-shaped cake with candied orange peel and an almond sugar glaze; hard-boiled eggs; chocolate; and much more.
The song “ Ciao Bella” is sang everywhere in Italy during this holiday. On this day in Venice, you should give a rose to your loved one.
