Buon Natale!
Whilst Christmas in Italy is increasingly looking more like the Christmas we know and love in the UK, the country still celebrates with different traditions and celebrations.
Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) is becoming an ever increasing presence with more and more people giving and receiving gifts on December 25th. However, the main day for gift giving still remains Epiphany. This is the 12th day of Christmas when the Three Wise Men gave Baby Jesus their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In modern day Italy, it’s not the Wise Men that visit though but instead La Befana, a witch who arrives in the night delivering presents to the children and filling their stockings.
Many towns and villages now put up Christmas decorations and trees are increasingly popular. There is always a wonderful nativity scene in a town to remind us of the real meaning and story of Christmas. Almost every church has a ‘presepe’ whilst often there will also be another outdoors in the town, perhaps in the main piazza or other public area. Probably the most famous of these is the nativity scene in the St Peter’s Square in the Vatican City, unveiled on 24th December each year.
Bookings For You wish all their customers and future holidaymakers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please do get in touch with us if you’re considering a holiday in Italy, or if you would like any advice on accommodation in Italy for your next holiday. Or, if you fancy experiencing an Italian Christmas this time next year, then do get in touch to discuss the Italy villas and apartments we have available. We can even source a Christmas tree for you, or order your Christmas turkey to make Christmas Day extra special.