Continuing on from our previous article, here are the rest of the things you should know about Christmas in Italy.
3. The Original Live Crib Is In Greccio
Nativity scenes and, particularly, those featuring actors and live animals, have a long tradition and are said to have been created in Italy. As a result, there are many live Nativities all over the country that are rather famous. One of the most famous, arguably is the one at Greccio in Lazio, which is said to be the very first. To visit this charming event for yourself, just find a vacation rental in Lazio. It is said that the tradition was born as early as the 5th century but gained traction when St. Francis came back from visiting the Holy Land and wanted to reproduce the scene of the Nativity on Christmas Eve in Greccio. He prepared a manger with hay, had an ox and a donkey brought there, and then had a Holy Mass celebrated in front of it, before a large crowd of people who had come from all over the region, it is even said that a vision of the Child appeared on the hay.
3. The Original Live Crib Is In Greccio
Nativity scenes and, particularly, those featuring actors and live animals, have a long tradition and are said to have been created in Italy. As a result, there are many live Nativities all over the country that are rather famous. One of the most famous, arguably is the one at Greccio in Lazio, which is said to be the very first. To visit this charming event for yourself, just find a vacation rental in Lazio. It is said that the tradition was born as early as the 5th century but gained traction when St. Francis came back from visiting the Holy Land and wanted to reproduce the scene of the Nativity on Christmas Eve in Greccio. He prepared a manger with hay, had an ox and a donkey brought there, and then had a Holy Mass celebrated in front of it, before a large crowd of people who had come from all over the region, it is even said that a vision of the Child appeared on the hay.
Today in Greccio, you can still see the grotto in which the Nativity took place and, if you are there around Christmas, you can witness the Nativity scene as presented by the local townspeople. The performance runs from December 24th through to the 6th of January.
4. No Meat on Christmas Eve
Typically, Christmas Eve dinner in Italy is traditionally a light meal with no meat. The dinner precedes the Midnight Mass and is then often followed by hot chocolate with cookies or a slice of panettone once everyone has returned home from church and needs to warm back up once more. Ligurian Mussel Soup is a popular option. It is a light but highly flavourful dish that is tasty and satisfying, which comes from Liguria but is similar to dishes found along the entire coast of the peninsula.
4. No Meat on Christmas Eve
Typically, Christmas Eve dinner in Italy is traditionally a light meal with no meat. The dinner precedes the Midnight Mass and is then often followed by hot chocolate with cookies or a slice of panettone once everyone has returned home from church and needs to warm back up once more. Ligurian Mussel Soup is a popular option. It is a light but highly flavourful dish that is tasty and satisfying, which comes from Liguria but is similar to dishes found along the entire coast of the peninsula.
The mussel soup is typically served as a first course and is the perfect thing for Christmas Eve dinner in the Italian tradition. Find a holiday villa rental in Liguria or try out our recipe here.
5. But Delicious Cocktails Are Plentiful
While you might not be served meat on Christmas eve, there are still lots of treats to enjoy. Make sure to try a Bombardino, if you are spending the festive season in Italy. It is, quite, possibly the winter cocktail. Generally served in mountainous areas and at ski resorts, particularly in the north of the country, as a way to warm up., it is not unlike eggnog but is served warm and has a higher level of alcoholic content. The main ingredients are an egg-based liquor, coffee and rum or brandy. These elements all come together to make a high-calorie, warming drink that is rich, filling and will warm you from head to toe. The “official” recipe was invented by pastry chef Gian Battista Pezziol, from Padua. Just find a holiday rental in Trentino Alto Adige, hit the slopes and relax in a local bar with a Bombardino afterwards.
5. But Delicious Cocktails Are Plentiful
While you might not be served meat on Christmas eve, there are still lots of treats to enjoy. Make sure to try a Bombardino, if you are spending the festive season in Italy. It is, quite, possibly the winter cocktail. Generally served in mountainous areas and at ski resorts, particularly in the north of the country, as a way to warm up., it is not unlike eggnog but is served warm and has a higher level of alcoholic content. The main ingredients are an egg-based liquor, coffee and rum or brandy. These elements all come together to make a high-calorie, warming drink that is rich, filling and will warm you from head to toe. The “official” recipe was invented by pastry chef Gian Battista Pezziol, from Padua. Just find a holiday rental in Trentino Alto Adige, hit the slopes and relax in a local bar with a Bombardino afterwards.
Photo credits
Picture 3: Michela Simoncini / CC BY 2.0
Picture 3: Michela Simoncini / CC BY 2.0
