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The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and cherished traditions around the world.  

As we approach this festive time of year, we can’t help but think about the ways our families and friends are celebrating Christmas across the ocean, in Italy and Spain. There are so many wonderful Christmas traditions that bring people together and reflect on the unique history, beliefs, and values of the different cultures. 

In today’s blog post, we will go on a journey to explore two captivating corners of the globe — Italy and Spain — each with its own set of enchanting and distinct Christmas traditions. While the general themes of love, family, and giving bind us all during this season, the way these sentiments are expressed can vary greatly from one place to another. 

Italy and Spain, both deeply rooted in history and tradition, offer us a glimpse into their vibrant and diverse Christmas customs. From ornate nativity scenes to mouthwatering holiday feasts, each country has its own way of celebrating the season.  

Let’s learn more about these traditions, discovering the unique practices, festive foods, and cultural nuances that make Christmas in Italy and Spain truly special. 

Visit our store, located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo at 150 Caroline Street South (in the Bauer Buildings) or shop online. We carry local products from around the world and have done so proudly since 1967. From artisanal chocolate, hand-crafted pasta, cheeses, and desserts to home goods and gift baskets, you’re sure to leave our store with a basket full of delicious items to serve at Christmas time.  

From our family to yours, Buon Natale! 

Italian Christmas Traditions 

Christmas holds profound cultural and religious significance in Italy. It's a time for families to come together, celebrate the birth of Jesus, and reflect on the importance of faith, love, and community.  

Here are some of the more cherished traditions we take part in during the Christmas season. 

Nativity Scenes (Presepe)

The tradition of setting up nativity scenes, known as "Presepe," is at the heart of Italian Christmas celebrations. These elaborate displays feature intricate figurines, representing the Holy Family, shepherds, angels, and everyday people. Presepe scenes can be found in homes, churches, and public places, reminding Italians of the true meaning of Christmas. 

Midnight Mass (La Messa di Mezzanotte): Christmas Eve is marked by attending Midnight Mass, a solemn and spiritually significant event. Families gather in churches to participate in this cherished tradition, which includes beautiful hymns, candlelight, and the celebration of the Eucharist. 

Feast of the Seven Fishes (La Cena della Vigilia)

In southern Italy, particularly in regions like Sicily and Campania, it's customary to partake in the "Feast of the Seven Fishes" on Christmas Eve. This multi-course seafood extravaganza includes dishes like fried calamari, baked fish, pasta with seafood, and more. The number seven is often symbolic of completeness and abundance. 

La Befana

La Befana is a unique figure in Italian Christmas folklore. She is often depicted as a kind old woman who flies on her broomstick on the night of January 5th, delivering gifts and sweets to well-behaved children. Her role is similar to that of Santa Claus, and children eagerly await her visit.

Christmas Markets

Throughout Italy, Christmas markets, or "Mercatini di Natale," are a beloved tradition. These festive markets offer a wide array of holiday decorations, gifts, and artisanal products. From handmade ornaments to local delicacies, the markets add a magical touch to the holiday season and provide opportunities for holiday shopping and cultural immersion. 

The Traditional Italian Christmas Dinner 

The traditional Italian Christmas dinner is a festive feast that typically includes dishes like succulent roast meats, delectable pasta, and rich desserts like Panettone and Pandoro. It's a time when families gather around the table to savour these beloved classics, sharing the joy and warmth of the holiday season.  

While you’re planning your Christmas dinner menu this year, keep these Italian classics in mind! You can find many of these staples in our store, so be sure to browse online or come by for a visit. 

Panettone: Panettone is perhaps the most iconic Italian Christmas dessert. It's a sweet, yeasted bread filled with candied fruits, citrus zest, and raisins. Panettone is typically enjoyed throughout December and is often given as a gift. 

Pandoro: Pandoro is another popular Christmas sweet bread, particularly in Northern Italy. It is a golden, star-shaped cake dusted with powdered sugar, resembling a Christmas tree. Pandoro is often served with a warm vanilla sauce. 

Torrone: Torrone is a nougat candy that comes in various flavours and is studded with almonds or other nuts. It's a sweet treat that is often exchanged as gifts during the holiday season. 

Cannoli: Cannoli are popular Italian pastries made from a crispy fried dough shell filled with creamy ricotta cheese and chocolate chip filling. They are a delightful addition to the Christmas dessert table. 

Lasagna: In some Italian households, especially in the South, lasagna is a common Christmas dish. It's a layered pasta dish made with sheets of lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and various fillings such as meat, sausage, or vegetables. At Vincenzo's, we offer the convenience of ready-made lasagna and other pasta dishes for you to pick up and heat at home. You can place your order online or give us a call to save time. 

Seafood: In some parts of Italy, especially in the South, a feast of seafood known as the "Feast of the Seven Fishes" (La Cena della Vigilia) is a Christmas Eve tradition. Families prepare a variety of seafood dishes, such as fried calamari, baked fish, and seafood pasta, to celebrate the occasion. 

Zampone and Cotechino: In Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Emilia-Romagna, it's common to serve zampone and cotechino. These are types of sausage, with zampone being stuffed into a pig's trotter and cotechino being a spiced sausage. They are typically served with lentils, symbolizing good luck for the upcoming year. 

Pizzelle: Pizzelle are thin, crisp waffle-like cookies that can be flavored with anise, vanilla, or lemon. They are often decorated with powdered sugar and enjoyed during the Christmas season. If you’re up for it, you can make your own at home using our pizzelle maker! available to order online.

Crostoli: Crostoli are a type of crispy fried Italian pastry. Crostoli are made of basic ingredients such as flour, eggs, sugar, brandy, butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt The dough is rolled thinly and cut into strips, which are then deep-fried and dusted with sugar. Crostoli are so light and flaky that they just melt in your mouth. Usually made during Lent, Vincenzo’s has a special Christmas Crostoli available over the holidays. 

Spanish Christmas Traditions 

As for our Western neighbours, Christmas in Spain is not just a holiday. It's a significant cultural event. It's a time when families and communities come together to celebrate their rich traditions and heritage. Similar to Italy, their holiday season is a blend of religious observance, festive customs, and warm family gatherings.  

The Traditional Spanish Christmas Dinner 

The traditional Spanish Christmas dinner, known as "La Cena de Nochebuena," is a seafood extravaganza featuring an array of dishes like bacalao (salted codfish), shrimp, and octopus, culminating in the "Feast of the Seven Fishes." This sumptuous feast on Christmas Eve reflects Spain's rich culinary heritage and the importance of family gatherings during the holiday season.  

Here is a look at some of the dishes you may find on their tables during Christmas.  

Turron: Turron is a quintessential Spanish Christmas sweet. It's a nougat candy made with honey, sugar, and almonds (or other nuts). Turron comes in various flavors and textures, with the two main types being "Turron de Jijona" (soft) and "Turron de Alicante" (hard and crunchy). 

Polvorones and Mantecados: Polvorones and Mantecados are crumbly shortbread-like cookies that are very popular during the holiday season. They are often made with ingredients like almonds, sugar, flour, and lard, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are often enjoyed with a warm cup of hot chocolate. 

Marzipan Figures: Marzipan, a sweet confection made from almonds and sugar, is used to create intricate figures and shapes during the holiday season. These marzipan figurines, often shaped like fruits, animals, or miniature nativity scenes, are not only delicious but also serve as decorative elements for Christmas displays. 

Vincenzo's offers a wide selection of holiday favorites from around the world, including items like Figgy Pudding and Mulled Wine spice bags. You can find some of these seasonal treats listed on our website under the "Holiday Favourites" section. 

While you’re planning your Christmas dinner, keep these traditional meals in mind. It’s always exciting to try something new, to experience a different culture.  

Visit our store, located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo at 150 Caroline Street South (in the Bauer Buildings) or shop online. We carry local products from around the world and have done so proudly since 1967. From artisanal chocolate, hand-crafted pasta, cheeses, and desserts to home goods and gift baskets, you’re sure to leave our store with a basket full of delicious items to serve at Christmas time.  

From our family to yours, Buon Natale!