Christmas in Rome and Italian Christmas traditions.
How the Romans celebrate Christmas.
The winter is a good time for those interested in cultural events, or the Italian way of life. During the summer, Rome empties as locals head on holiday, bars, clubs and theatres close down. Theatre seasons usually run, like the football, from autumn to spring.
There aren’t as many festivals as there are in the summer, but you are more likely to catch regular performances of shows during your visit.
Christmas in Rome for some means only one thing: the Vatican
Outside St Peter’s visitors are greeted by a life-size nativity scene. Other nativity cribs (presepi) can be seen in churches around the city. At the Christmas Market in Piazza Navona you can buy the components for your own nativity scene, as well as sweets, wooden toys and all sorts of Christmas-related ornaments and goodies. In another nod to the festive season, shops often lay down red carpeting on the pavements (which quickly gets filthy), and a giant Christmas tree appears in Piazza Venezia (incidentally a similarly giant tree was stolen from the centre of Naples last Christmas).
Why not treat your self to a different Christmas this year? Enjoy an unforgettable time in Rome with our special Christmas package! See the Pope on Christmas Eve, shop at the lovely Piazza Navona Christmas market.
Christmas in Rome, Italian christmas traditions. Pictures of italy: Christmas in Rome, Italian christmas traditions.
How the Romans celebrate Christmas.
24 December: Christmas Eve
Every Christmas Eve, the Pope gives Midnight Mass in St Peter’s Square. The service takes place in the very heart of Roman Catholicism in what is arguably the world’s most famous church. The Christmas Eve speech is broadcast to over 40 countries.
Christmas Eve is usually celebrated with a big meal at home. There may be as many as 10 to 20 fish dishes prepared, but no meat. Traditionally, in Rome, a Capitone, or big female eel, roasted, baked, or fried, is brought to the table. Common are the Christmas sweets: panettone, torrone, and panforte are but a few. All sweets, as a rule, must contain nuts and almonds. In ancient Rome, honey was offered so that the New Year may be sweet.
25 December: Christmas
Urbi er Orbi message and blessing by the Pope in Saint Peter’s Square at midday.
26 December: Boxing Day (St. Stephen’s Day)
Many Romans visit nativity scenes in churches throughout the city. The tradition of making and decorating cribs at Christmas was brought to Rome from Greccio in Umbria, where Saint Francis of Assisi made the first one in 1223. The oldest Nativity Scene, believed to be that of Arnolfo di Cambio (1280), is housed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major), in Rome. The Nativity Scene is left standing in every home until the Epiphany, on 6 January, when the Magi bring presents for the Infant.
Rome, Piazza Navona Market
Rome’s Piazza Navona hosts a traditional Christmas market, complete with Santa Claus, nativity scenes and stalls selling Christmas goodies, mostly toys and sweets. Kids can visit Santa Claus and parents can wander around in the happy and expectant holiday atmosphere of the market. In addition to toys, strenne (Christmas branches traditionally exchanged among Romans) and Christmas foods like torrone (nutty nougat) and cotton candy. The most representative articles on sale are the statuettes of the Nativity scene.
Also take a look to:
Rome Outlet and Shopping Center
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