What do Italians call Christmas?

Christmas in Italy, or Natale in Italian, kicks off its festivities on December 8 with the feast of the Immaculate Conception when Italians traditionally put up the Christmas tree. The celebrations also typically end on January 6 of the following year with the Epiphany, which is also referred to as Three Kings' Day.

What do Italian people call Christmas?

The Italian term Natale derives from the Latin natalis, which literally means 'birth', and the greetings in Italian are buon Natale (Merry Christmas) and felice Natale (Happy Christmas).

What do they call Santa in Italy?

Italy is famous for their big Christmas spread for the whole family to enjoy. Italian children call Santa Claus 'Babbo Natale'.

Is La Befana Sicilian?

The visit of La Befana is celebrated on Epiphany Eve (January 5) throughout Italy and in Sicily. La Befana is a friendly witch with a broomstick, shawl, and sack filled with sweets and gifts for children.

Do Italians still celebrate La Befana?

The Befana is celebrated throughout all of Italy, and has become a national icon. In the regions of the Marches, Umbria and Latium, her figure is associated with the Papal States, where the Epiphany held the most importance. Urbania is thought to be her official home.

What Italians Eat for CHRISTMAS

What do Italians say for La Befana?

Buona Befana! This is the greeting Italians share with one another on January 6, the feast of the Epiphany. It marks the end of the holiday season and recognizes the arrival of the three Magi to baby Jesus' manger.

Does Italy have La Befana and Santa?

Although overshadowed by the modern tradition of Santa Claus, La Befana remains adored by Italian children, who hang up their stockings in anticipation of gifts on the night between 5 and 6 January. Befana dolls for sale in Christmas market. Photo credit: Only Fabrizio / Shutterstock.com.

Why do Italians celebrate La Befana?

The tradition of La Befana

In Italian folklore, Befana is an old soot-covered woman or witch who delivers presents to Italian children on the night before La Befana (Epiphany Eve). The story goes that on their way to see the infant Jesus, the Magi stopped to ask Befana for directions and asked her to join them.

How old is La Befana?

Regardless, the way that she's celebrated now—as the bringer of gifts… or of coal—has been around in Italy as early as the 13th century. No matter where La Befana comes from, she's one of the most fascinating Christmas traditions in Italy—and the favorite of children across the country!

What is the biggest holiday in Italy?

The most important holidays – with the most closures – are Christmas and Easter, followed by New Year's Day and Labor Day. Chiuso per Ferie means Closed for Holiday – a sign you're likely to see anytime there is a public holiday or in August!

Why do Italians say Buon Natale?

The meaning of Buon Natale is "Merry Christmas", and it is the most common way to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Italian. "Natale" means Christmas. Natale comes from the latin "natalis", which means "birth". Dies Natalis originally only meant 'birthday', as seen in the expression Natale di Roma (Rome's Birthday).

Is Christmas big in Italy?

It is truly special to celebrate Christmas in a country where family, sharing, and warmth are already so important and ingrained in everyday life. Rich with Catholic traditions, Christmas in Italy is usually an intimate celebration filled with food, loved ones, and simplicity.

What do Italians call Christmas Eve dinner?

La Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve) Foods

The emphasis is on freshness and variety, both of seafood type and cooking method. And, of course, the specific seafood and dishes vary by region. One might begin with a frittura di pesce (fried fish), which could include calamari, baby octopus, or paranza (mixed tiny fish).

What city in Italy is best for Christmas?

Is La Befana only Italian?

After the winter solstice, the death and rebirth of nature were celebrated, and it was believed that a goddess flew over the fields, ensuring fertility for the next season. Despite possible ancient roots, La Befana only became popular in Italy in the early 1900s.

Do you say Happy La Befana?

Buona Befana

La Befana is Italy's Christmas witch, who comes on the 6th of January. After the new year begins, you'll hear people wishing you a Buona Befana to celebrate the Epiphany.

Is La Befana good or bad?

La Befana, whose name comes from the Roman dialect's pronunciation of the Italian "epifania", is a friendly witch who comes delivering gifts for the good children, and lumps of coal to the bad ones.

Does La Befana replace Santa?

It would seem that, outside of Italy, Santa Claus has taken on the role of La Befana for the 25th of December. But Santa is well known in Italy... So, what does that mean? It simply means that Italian kids get to be the recipient of gifts from two festive deities, as opposed to the one most of us get.

How is La Befana different from Christmas?

In Italy Santa Claus/Father Christmas come between the 24th and 25th of december to bring toys to the children, but La Befana come the night between 5th and 6th January, the night of Jesus Ephifany (divine manifestation) to give them candies in a sock (like Santa in USA and Britain).

Did La Befana go to Bethlehem?

Soon after the star appeared, she was paid a visit by the Three Wise Men, who had wandered far from their path toward the humble stable in Bethlehem to visit baby Jesus. They asked La Befana for directions and invited her to join them on their journey to bring gifts to the new-born.

What are 3 symbols of La Befana?

Most modern representations of Befana — seen in storybooks and as popular dolls — depict her as an elderly woman wrapped in a dark shawl, wearing a kerchief on her head, and carrying or riding a broom. According to a popular song about Befana, she is dressed “in the Roman custom” (col vestito alla romana).

What is the real story of La Befana?

La Befana's story dates back to pagan times, and is closely connected with the Nativity story. On their way to see the baby Jesus, the three Magi (the wise men) stopped into an old woman's house looking for refuge from a cold night. Like a good host, she offered them food and shelter.

What is a famous chant about La Befana?

There are many interesting songs and filastrocche about Befana. One of the most famous is “La Befana Vien di Notte” (The Befana Comes at Night). Think of Italy as an all-year destination, see it in all its different personalities.