What do Italians say instead of Merry Christmas?

The most common and direct way to say Merry Christmas in Italian is Buon Natale. Ti auguro Buon Natale, I wish you a Merry Christmas.

What do people in Italy say instead of Merry Christmas?

To wish someone a Merry Christmas in Italian, we say Buon Natale! Buon is the short form of the word 'buono' = good.

What do they say on Christmas in Italy?

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).

How do Italians greet each other on Christmas?

Italian for “Merry Chrismas”: “Buon Natale!” The classic “Merry Christmas” phrase in Italian is “Buon Natale!”. Like in other parts of the world, Christmas brings Italians joy and happiness.

How do you respond to Buon Natale?

It's appropriate to respond “Grazie, Buon Natale a te!” which aptly means “Thank you, Merry Christmas to you too!” a different but similar way to respond would be “Grazie, altrettanto, buone feste!” meaning “Thank you to you too, happy holidays!” and very simply you can also reply “Buon Natale” if someone wishes you.

How to Say 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' in Italian? How to Pronounce Buon Natale?

How do Italians say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year?

Merry Christmas and New Year Phrases – In the warmth of Italian tradition, “Buon Natale” rings out to say “Merry Christmas,” and as the New Year approaches, “Felice Anno Nuovo” or the more commonly used “Buon Anno” heralds the beginning of new beginnings.

What is a famous Italian Christmas quote?

There's a famous Italian saying that goes: Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi. “Christmas with your (relatives), Easter with whoever you want”.

What do Italians do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

While some Italians are attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve, others are whizzing down the slopes on Christmas Day. In northern Italy people ski down the mountains at midnight, carrying torches as a festive celebration!

Do Italians give gifts on Christmas Day?

Although some Italian families now give gifts to children on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, it is traditional to wait until Epiphany (or Epifania) to give and receive gifts - although this is typically just for children.

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'.

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!

What food do they eat in Italy on Christmas?

In Southern and Central Italy, baked pasta is a must. In Northern Italy, Lasagne Bolognese and filled pasta like manicotti and ravioli are traditional Christmas fare. Next comes the main event, the meat. Roasted veal, baked chicken, sausages or braised beef are common Natale entrées worth celebrating.

Do Italians open presents on Christmas Eve?

Christmas Day is when the big present opening extravaganza takes place stateside, but in Italy there is no designated day for exchanging gifts. While some Italian families open presents on Christmas Day, others do so on Christmas Eve or even earlier; and, in Northern Italy, legend has it that St.

How do you say December in Italy?

dicembre. (No machine translations here!)

What does Italy have instead of Santa?

In Italian folklore, the Befana (Italian: [beˈfaːna]) is an old woman or witch who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to Santa Claus or the Three Magi Kings.

What is the most popular Christmas tradition in Italy?

One of the most loved Italian Christmas traditions is presepe or nativity scenes. Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus are spread throughout homes, churches and squares all over Italy. In fact, it seems that no matter where you're in the country, there's always one close by.

Why does Italy not eat meat on Christmas Eve?

Origins and tradition

This celebration commemorates the wait, the Vigilia di Natale, for the midnight birth of the baby Jesus. The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day.

What do Italian people do on Christmas Day?

December 24th is a national holiday in Italy. All shops are closed and public transport is pretty much non-existent. Families usually come together for a special dinner before making their way to evening or midnight mass. The meal traditionally consists of fish courses and panettone for dessert.

What do Italians call Little Christmas?

In Italy, the Epiphany on January 6th is also known as “Little Christmas” and is a public holiday. Schools and most businesses are closed, but historically, stores are in full swing with after Christmas sales.

What is a popular Italian saying?

This quintessential Italian saying, mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto reflects much about the values Italian culture embraces. It translates to “eat well, laugh often, love much,” and beautifully communicates the hearty passion that Italians hold for food and family.

What is the most famous Italian quote?

Veni, vidi, vici. (“I came, I saw, I conquered.”) In Italian, it's: Venni, vidi, vinsi. This is probably the oldest and most memorable of all the popular Italian quotes, and it comes from ancient Italian times (and more precisely, from ancient Rome).

What is the Italian tradition for Christmas Eve?

Italian Christmas Eve, known as "La Vigilia" or "La Cena della Vigilia," is celebrated with a special meal featuring a variety of fish and seafood dishes. This tradition is known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes (Festa dei Sette Pesci).

What is the meaning of Bon Natalie?

What does Buon Natale mean? When December 25th arrives, in Italy everyone starts wishing, from the cashier at the grocery store to your closest friends, a “Buon Natale". Directly translated, buon Natale means “good Christmas”.

What are some fun facts about Christmas in Italy?

Christmas festivities don't end on December 25

In Italy the holiday spirit begins on December 8th, day of the Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione), when many Italians traditionally decorate their Christmas trees and put up Nativity scenes. It ends on January 6th, the Epiphany.