Traditions

Our Studentessa Matta kicks off the Holiday Season by preparing the “presepe”, the Nativity. Here how she did it!  I’m preparing the house for Christmas. I have just finished decorating the tree with my kids. Over the years I have …

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a big deal in our family. Although the origins of this feast are somewhat mired in controversy, it is a holiday that my Italian-American family celebrated each and every year with absolute gusto. …

In the first half of this two-part discussion, we left off with the question, “How did St. Nicholas become Santa Claus?” I must answer by first explaining that the custom of gift-giving, especially to children during the Christmas Season, is …

Among the foods Italians can’t help but have on their table the last day of the year is represented by lentils: the round shape reminds coins, with ancient tradition of giving away, on December 31, a small bag full of …

It’s a special cake called the Fugassa of the Epiphany and reveals a particular ritual that involves all people around the table diners. Within the “petals” of the cake, shaped like a daisy, two beans are hidden, one white and …

Those who have Neapolitan origins know what San Gregorio Armeno stands for: Christmas Nativity tradition. Wandering on the namesake street, in the heart of Campania’s city, searching for the best artisan figures is a must have experience for both locals …

Seeing the artistry behind the tiny, handcrafted wooden spinning tops Mauro Sarti makes, it is surprising to find out it all started by chance. Granted, the Bologna-born artisan had always liked making things by hand. However, the decision to devote …

On 13 December, Italians celebrate Santa Lucia, a very important feast in the North as well as in Sicily. The name Lucia comes from Latin and means Lux (light): it dates back to the pagan celebration of winter solstice before …

I met Gay Talese on a Friday afternoon in New York City, when the sun descends from its zenith and anxious pedestrians are walking briskly home to begin their weekend.  He had agreed to meet and talk about his Italian …

Although things are changing fast, Christmas in Italy still is one, if not the most, traditional time of the year and many Italian households have a series of family traditions they like to repeat each year, no matter how old …