Customs and Traditions: Celebrating the Holidays like an Italian 

If you are spending time in Italy for the holidays, consider yourself fortunato/a! And if you’re dreaming of the magical Boot from afar, you’re not the only one. In honor of the most merry time of year, learn about some of Italy’s most historical and quirky customs and traditions for the holiday season!

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree 

Although city squares and mom-and-pop shops may hang their twinkly lights earlier than the beginning of December, most Italian families wait until the 8th for tree cutting, ornament hanging, and festival music playing. The 8th of December in Italy is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is commonly reserved for a day when Italians decorate the tree as it is a national public holiday. Many families have the day off. This day also “kick-starts” the month-long festivities and holiday cheer! 

Presepi 

Throughout the month, from small hillside towns to big chaotic cities paint the town in spirit, setting up artisanal markets, baking seasonal goods, and presepi AKA nativity scenes. These presepi have deep roots in Italy, a tradition dating back to St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. However, aside from St. Francis, the annual tradition of creating a presepi has a deep history in southern cities like Naples, where presepi are taken as an art form, often highly detailed, and elaborate, including hundreds of figures from bakers and shepherds to villagers and animals. Often hand-carved and designed by artisans themselves, many cities host exhibits, display shows, and even live nativity scenes to enjoy these works of art in person. 

La Vigilia di Natale 

The eve of Christmas, December 24th, is known in Italy as La Vigilia di Natale and is the opener for food feasts for the next three days. Most Italian families reserve a multi-course dinner for seafood. A biblical tradition or not, courses include plates like baccalà, seafood salad, pasta and clams, smoked salmon or muscles, and much more. Each region has its seafood specialty on the table, and the southern-coastal towns tend to have the largest seafood spread, going as far as lining up in the early hours of the morning (I am talking 2 or 3 am) to have a first-hand at their fish selection at the local outdoor markets. 

Don’t expect la Vigilia to be over after an hour or two. Most households are up celebrating until midnight and beyond.With full bellies and even fuller hearts, some traditional Catholic families (again, many stemming from the Southern tip of the peninsula) even venture out to attend midnight mass. Others enjoy dessert (and yes, panettone and pandoro are included!), espresso, and present opening. However, in the spirit of Babbo Natale (Santa Clause), younger children wait until Christmas morning to open presents. 

Buona Fortuna & Buon Anno 

Along with wives' tales, folklore, and superstitions, Italians are always looking for ways to get extra lucky. New Year's Eve and New Year’s is the perfect time to practice some of these good-luck tales and traditions. New Year’s Eve’s dinner is just as important as staying up to watch the ball drop at midnight. The typical meal includes Cotechino, a type of fatty pork sausage, and lentils, both believed to bring good fortune, wealth, and prosperity for the coming year. Another equally as important and popular tradition is to wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve. The color red is believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits in the coming year, and a week or two leading up to the big night, many shops and street vendors sell red-colored underwear for everyone in the family. 

La Befana

Gift-giving and surprise treats don’t stop when Babbo Natale comes to town. Legend has it says there is also a little old witch who rides on a broom, known as La Befana, who, according to legend, delivers gifts and sweets to good children on the night of January 5th and coal (or dark candy) to those who have misbehaved. Children hang stockings for the Befana and wake up to find what she left. The 6th also coincides with the Epiphany, the arrival of the Three Wise Men. 

Do you have any other Italian traditions you celebrate? Let us know in the comments below! 

Panettone vs. Pandoro: Italy’s Greatest Christmas Debate 

As the changing leaves of October and the rainy season of November leave us behind, there is something increasingly magical about the cool and mystical month of December in Italy. Twinkly lights illuminate city squares and old-school palazzos, shop windows are packed with delicious delicacies and delights, and holiday spirit fills the air. Christmas in Italy is no short of tradition and long, cozy days spent with family and friends. Would it be Italian if food wasn’t the center of the day and conversation? 

From freshly fried fish and stacked layers of lasagna to perfectly crafted tortellini in steamy hot brodo, the savory part of the day is not a miss. But what about the sweet? Sure, there are ricotta-filled cakes that hail from Sicily or lightly fried dough Zeppole from Naples. Still, there is a staple (or two), that all Italians would remiss if they didn’t include at least one on the after-dinner table, and if just so happens to be one of Italy’s biggest culinary debates.

Panettone vs. Pandoro

You may have heard of Panettone or Pandoro before, two Italian Christmas cake-like staples that at first glance seem nearly identical, but are worlds apart. Still, nonetheless, both have become widespread traditions across the Boot and globe. Let’s take a look at the two. 

Panettone, the oldest and maybe the most recognizable thanks to its tall, cupola shape and citrusy aroma, this sweet bread dates back to ancient Roman times (although the “official” recipe was born during the Middle Ages). The name"panettone" derives from the Italian word "panetto," meaning a small loaf of bread, combined with “-one," meaning something large. Therefore "panettone" translates to "big bread." An old wives tale credits the creation of panettone to a young man who was the baker to the Duke of Milan in the 15th century and was forced to use leftover ingredients, including floud, butter, and candied fruits. Although panettone comes in decadent variations and flavors like pistachio cream filled or chocolate coated, thanks to commercialization, the tried and true version is flakey and lightly sweet, containing candied orange, lemon zest, and raisins, giving it a distinct fruity flavor.

Panettone’s rival, Pandoro, has a much more clear storyline. Hailing from Verona, the recipe we see used in bakery shops is nearly always credited to a Veronese pastry chef who created the first commercial version in 1894.  The name"pandoro" comes from the Italian words "pan" (bread) and "d’oro" (of gold), attributed to its rich, golden color and decadent ingredients. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, unlike panettone, Pandoro does not include candied fruits or nuts, offering a more simple, buttery flavor and it is baked in a star-shaped mold, reflecting the magical spirit of the winter holidays. 

So the million dollar question is this: are you team Panettone or team Pandoro? While both breads are cherished during the holiday season, their distinct historical, geographical, cultural, and culinary factors influence preference (not to mention, Italians are always up for a bit of cheery debate!). 

Enjoying at Home

Making pandoro and panettone, well, is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the most difficult Italian recipes to master, so leave it to the masters. If you want to incorporate some Italian magic into your dessert table, local artisanal Italian shops in person or online are sure to make your Christmas panettone and pandoro wish come true. 

Regardless if you’re team panettone or team pandoro, enjoy each the Italian way, after festive meals accompanied with sweet wine or a freshly brewed shot of espresso. 

Author Gabriela R. Proietti

Written by Gabriela Prioetti

A journey to and from Italy: Then and Now

Italy: the land of delectable food, pristine coastlines, snowy mountain caps, romantic language, and mesmerizing dialects—one may say this country seems to offer it all. But what about 100 years ago?

A short history lesson

It wasn’t until 1861 that most of the Italian peninsula was united. It became the Kingdom of Italy ruled by Victor Emmanuel II hailing from Sardinia and was named the King of Italy. Before that, Italy was divided into smaller states, far from being anything close to united. But a more important date to pay close attention to is June 10, 1946, when the short-lived Italian Monarchy was overthrown and the Repubblica Italiana (italian Republic) was born. But this was not an easy feat. Between World War I and World War II, Fascist ruling, a dictatorship, country, language confusion, heritage division, and territory destruction, those years between the monarchy and liberation were far from what us Italy lovers experience now, AKA la dolce vita.

Then

So, what were these Italian people forced to do? Find life elsewhere. There were two waves of one of the largest voluntarily emigrations ever recorded in world history, commonly known as the Italian diaspora. The first wave began in the late 1800s continuing into the first four centuries of the 1900s, estimating that more than 13 million Italians voluntarily left Italy, escaping extreme poverty and fascism, especially those hailing from the south (think Sardinia, Sicily, Calabria, and Campania). These populations were mostly peasant farmers or poor city-goers who didn’t see much light at the end of the tunnel. The second wave began shortly after the war, continuing until the early 1970s. It is estimated that over the century, more than 25 million were living outside the country. But, where did they all go?

Argentina and Brazil quickly became two of the most popular destinations for migrants to settle (still to this day, Brazil and Argentina have the largest Italian populations outside of Italy in the world!). Other countries included America, specifically cities close to Ellis Island, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, and Canada. After the war, migration was seen heavily in northern European countries like Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and France.  Despite where these immigrants ended up, building a new life was far from easy. Most faced harsh working environments, cramped, unkept living conditions, and prejudices. But as we say in Italian piano piano (slowly slowly), those Italian immigrants created life in big cities and began to integrate themselves into their new home and society thanks to a lot of determination and patience (patience).

Now

Today, over 80 million people around the world claim to have some type of Italian ancestry, i.e. full Italian heritage or partial Italian Heritage, and over 5 million Italian citizens live outside of the country. So we could say that history seems to repeat itself, but these 5 million citizens didn’t choose to leave due to war-stricken lands. But, there is still a fine line between job opportunities and sustainable living wages here in The Boot. As of 2023, the average yearly salary in Italy is just over 30,000 euros (around 2,500 euros a month) and this is some of the highest it has been in the 21st century. Although you may be thinking after a recent trip to Italy that the cost of living is more reasonable compared to big cities like New York and Sydney (sure, you may be on to something), the cost of rent and food prices are rising, the job market is slow, and pay is steadily staying the same. So it is no wonder that more and more giovani (youth) are deciding to pack up and say goodbye when an industrial, economic city like Milan isn’t cutting it anymore. Let’s not forget that nearly 25% of Italy’s population is made up of people over the age of 65, one may say anziani (elderly).

That being said, there’s no denying how much population change our beloved Italy has faced over the decades and in recent years. What do you think the faces of Italy will be like in the next ten years? Are we in the midst of the country’s third wave of Italian diaspora? Let us know in the comments below!

Picture & Article by Gabriela R. Proietti

L’estate Italiana (Italian summer) is over *sadly.* As millions of Italians return to their home base, day-to-day life begins to come to fruition once more. Sunset spritzes are traded in for pre-work mornings at the neighborhood coffee bar, promenade strolls for days at the office, and sunny beaches for even longer days preparing for the new year ahead. 

You may be experts in all things Italian culture, from dining etiquette to embracing everything there is to living la dolce vita. Still, some things may surprise you like the educational system in Italy (hint: it is very different from what you may be expecting). Traveling to Italy, thinking of moving, or generally curious? In honor of the back-to-school season, let’s take a look at what it’s like for children going to school in Bella Italia. 

Grade Levels & School Attendance 

Compulsory schooling begins at six years old across the Italian Boot and is mandatory until the age of 16. However, earlier options are available for families that want to jump-start their child’s education. These are known as asilo nido (baby daycare that typically begins being offered around 6 months) and scuola dell’infanzia (preschool from ages 3 to 5-6 years old). Note, kindergarten, also known as prep, does not exist in Italy!  

Primary school, referred to as scuola elementare, begins from age 6 to 11 years, depending on when the child was born. Days are long (think 8-4:30) and there are 5 years total. After primary school comes scuola media aka middle school, lasting another 3 years, and finally liceo, from 14 to 19 years of age (5 years total, and yes, teens technically have an extra year of high school…yikes!). 

School Selection 

In Italy, families can choose where they want to go to school! What?! That’s right, it doesn't stop at which school institution is closest to your place of residency. Although it is not guaranteed the school selected will automatically be appointed to the child, it is highly likely. Turning to high school, the material taught is not the same across the board. Students are obliged to choose a high school specializing in specific subject matters (which usually occurs for most come university and college level…can you feel the pressure?). Options include school of arts, classical studies, sciences, languages, human sciences, and music and dance. 

Study, study, study

Studying for exams and completing assigned homework is a HUGE part of Italian schooling. Afterschool activities are rarely offered by the school (especially in the public system), and elementary school kids to high schoolers spend most afternoons at their home desks preparing for upcoming assignments or exams. Young pupils can expect 3 hours of homework per night and middle to high school 5-6 hours per night. Even after all the planning and preparation, receiving good grades (on a scale of 1-10) in Italy is nearly impossible (if you are rewarded an 8, that is considered excelling and a 6 is usually the average). Many exams are given orally and rarely are given tests that are multiple choice (sorry!). 

Other Quirky Elements 

Are you thinking to yourself how quirky the Italian schooling system is? It doesn’t stop there! Here are a few other interesting elements. Cursive is still taught and is mandatory, and students rarely write with a pencil rather a pen. Italian summers are one of the longest offered in the world (from early June to the middle of September) and summer day camps are not the norm. Some high schools have 6-day school weeks (Monday to Saturday), religion class is part of the curriculum, and lunch is never brought from home but kids eat what is offered by the school.

Ingredients for the cake-

4 eggs

1 bustina vanilla - or a pod

1 rind from a lemon

300gr sugar

100ml sunflower oil

150ml milk

100ml vermouth white

100gr cornflour

400gr 00 flour

16gr raising agent for sweets

Ingredients for the icing -

250gr icing sugar

1 egg white

(add droplets very slowly of water to thin out if its too thick)

WATCH INSTAGRAM REEL FOR METHOD

FILLING

750gr Ricotta

500gr Cream Cheese

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

Rind of 1 lemon and it’s juice

Vanilla

1 1/2 tablespoons cornflour

1/4 cup cream (or milk)

Cook on 170c for 50 -60 minutes. Suits a large cheesecake tin

BASE

250 gr of any biscuit you have

125gr melted butter

CARAMALISED PEAR TOPPING

4 pears peeled and diced

Half cup sugar - cooked until water evaporate and pears brown

Head to instagram to watch method here

Read below to get updated on the most popular Italian baby names of 2023.

It looks like the classic boys names are still trending…

1. Leonardo

2. Francesco

3. Tommaso

4. Edoardo

5. Alessandro

6. Lorenzo

7. Mattia

8. Gabriele

9. Riccardo

10. Andrea

11. Diego

12. Nicolò

13. Matteo

14. Giuseppe

15. Federico

16. Antonio

17. Enea

18. Samuele

19. Giovanni

20. Pietro

21. Filippo

22. Davide

23. Giulio

24. Gioele

25. Christian

26. Michele

27. Gabriel

28. Luca

29. Marco

30. Elia

31. Salvatore

32. Vincenzo

33. Liam

34. Thomas

35. Emanuele

36. Noah

37. Alessio

38. Samuel

39. Nathan

40. Giacomo

41. Jacopo

42. Giorgio

43. Simone

44. Ettore

45. Luigi

46. Manuel

47. Damiano

48. Daniele

49. Domenico

50. Daniel

Girls names are sometimes classic and other times not. Sofia, Aurora and Giulia are still in the top 3 and have been for some time.

1. Sofia

2. Aurora

3. Giulia

4. Ginevra

5. Vittoria

6. Beatrice

7. Alice

8. Ludovica

9. Emma

10. Matilde

11. Anna

12. Camilla

13. Chiara

14. Giorgia

15. Bianca

16. Nicole

17. Greta

18. Gaia

19. Martina

20. Azzurra

21. Arianna

22. Sara

23. Noemi

24. Isabel

25. Rebecca

26. Chloe

27. Adele

28. Mia

29. Elena

30. Diana

31. Francesca

32. Ambra

33. Gioia

34. Cecilia

35. Viola

36. Elisa

37. Marta

38. Emily

39. Carlotta

40. Margherita

41. Sole

42. Anita

43. Maria

44. Eleonora

45. Amelia

46. Alessia

47. Nina

48. Luna

49. Giada

50. Sophie

Ingredients -

Large baking tray (big enough to fit a whole Pandoro sliced)

1 Pandoro

3 cups cream

4 cups milk

5 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

Vanilla (bustina, pod or essence)

About 100gr butter (chopped and placed on top before baking)

Cook on 160c for an hour

Watch instagram reel for method click here

Ingredients -

300gr milk chocolate

250gr dark chocolate

300gr Hazelnuts (remember to toast them)

Half glass full cream milk

One and a half tablespoons of 00 flour

2 tablespoons of honey

Watch the reel on instagram for the method.

OR -

Toast the hazelnuts.

Melt the chocolate in the microwave or in a bowl over hot water. Add the warm hazelnuts and all other ingredients and mix well. Place in a tray lined with baking paper and place in the fridge until it sets.

The Magic of Christmas Markets in Italy

Bolzano Christmas Market Photo: Stefano_Valeri/Shutterstock

Author: Anna Wolf

Christmas markets are one of the most charming and festive aspects of the holiday season, not only in Italy, but all over Europe. They are usually held in the main squares of towns and cities, where wooden stalls offer a variety of goods, food and drinks. But where did this tradition come from?

The first Christmas markets in Europe can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when German territories covered a large part of the continent. They were originally called “winter markets” and were held on religious feast days, to sell food, handicrafts, and other items for the cold winter months. Some of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany are in Dresden and Nüremberg who date back to 1434 and 1628. Today, one of the most visited historic Christmas markets in Europe is the Strasbourg Christmas market, located in the Alsatian city of Strasbourg, France. Strasbourg has been holding its “Christkindelsmärik” around its cathedral since 1570. Today, the city proudly claims to be the “Capital of Christmas” in Europe.

Also numerous Italian cities traditionally hold Christmas markets. They are usually held from December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, to January 6, the Epiphany. One of the most distinctive features of the Italian Christmas markets is the “presepe”, or nativity scene. The presepe is a representation of the birth of Jesus, and it can be found in churches, homes and public places. It can be made of wood, paper or even chocolate, and usually includes various figures, such as animals, angels and shepherds. The city of Naples is particularly famous for its elaborate presepe.

Image from https://www.napolike.com/christmas-fair-in-san-gregorio-armeno-2018-in-naples

Another highlight at the Italian Christmas markets is the food. Some of the typical specialities that can be found at the markets are “panettone” (sweet bread with candied fruits), “pandoro”, (star-shaped cake with powdered sugar), “torrone”, (nougat with nuts and honey), and “panforte”, (dense and spicy fruitcake). Of course, no Italian Christmas market is complete without a cup of mulled wine, called “vin brulé”.

The most popular and biggest Christmas market in Italy is the one in Bolzano in the region of Alto Adige. For over a month, in around 80 wooden huts in Alpine style, handmade gifts, ceramics, candles and wooden figurines are displayed. Every year, thousands of visitors come to the beautiful Piazza Walther to enjoy the festive spirit. On long weekends it can get quite crowded. Its history goes back to 1989, when the German city of Nüremberg donated its Christmas market statute to the city of Bolzano. Bolzano then opened its first Christmas market in 1991, which was immediately very popular.

So, are you in the “Christmas Market mood” already? Then why not plan your next trip to Italy or Europe during the Christmas season, and experience the charm of the markets? My advice to you: Keep in mind that besides the big and famous markets, there are also many less-known, tiny Christmas markets in smaller towns. They only wait for you to be discovered…