Christmas in Italy is the most popular festival of Christianity. In Italy Christmas season is mainly celebrated from 24th December to 6th January. Christmas in Italy has mainly two origins. That is the the familiar customs of Christianity mixed with the traditions of Paganism. The festive season of Christmas in Italy is full of singing and dancing. The houses, the roads and the shops are being beautifully decorated by the Italians. It is infact the holiest occasion celebrated in Italy.
The dwellers of Italy also keep fasting on the day before Christmas. This Christian festival is closely associated with the faith, tradition and custom of Italians. On the Christmas eve they dine together and celebrates the occasion. This Christmas eve dinner is known by the name of Cennone. This meal includes delicious dishes of pasta,cakes,sweets, fruits, fresh vegetables and fishes.
Aside from enjoying the tasty food they also engaged themselves in prayers and worship. The special church services called novena. It last for nine days before the holy day of Christmas. On Christmas morning Mass is seen to be celebrated. In this particular day the children tie their stockings at the head of the bed. Children in Italy use to believe in a female Santa Claus named La Befana. They believe that
this old lady usually visits each child and puts sweetmeats or coal in the stocking.
During this Christian carnival many travelers come to visit Italy to taste the flavor of holy Christmas. 6 th January is said to be the last day of Christmas Feast of the Three Kings, known by the name of Epiphany took place in this day.
