Christmas in Verona Italy: Celebrating the Italian Nativity Scene

During the Christmas season in Italy, the presepe, or nativity scene, is a reminder of Italy’s deep-rooted traditions. Italians’ love for art and religion combine in these gorgeous scenes. It’s nearly impossible to visit Italy during the holidays and not stumble across presepi in store windows, cathedrals or museums. The event Natale in Arena in Verona celebrates presepi from November …

Christmas in Italy: A Living Nativity in Umbria

  Settled on a hilltop in rural Umbria halfway between Rome and Florence off the A1 autostrada is Monteleone di Orvieto, a municipality of Terni built in the 12th century. During three days throughout Christmas season, visitors can meander through the cobblestone streets of the centro storico, the setting for the Presepe Vivente or “living nativity.” During these special days, the residents …

A Classic Christmas Dessert Recipe from Sicily

Updated 2018. When writing my guest article on Italian Christmas desserts, I asked my friend Maria Louisa Manca, who is a very good cook from Catania (a beautiful city situated on the slope of Mount Etna) to share a favorite dessert from her native Sicily. Here is Maria Louisa’s classic recipe for Croccante alle Mandorle Siciliano: Ingredients: (for 7-8 servings) 500 grams almonds, …

Christmas in Italy: ‘Ndocciata Torch Parade

Updated 2019. Italy has many special Christmas celebrations, but there’s one in the region of Molise that may be among the most unique. The ‘Ndocciata, or torchlight parade, takes place on December 8 and 24 in the town of Agnone. It is the largest celebration of its kind in the world. The ndocce are 6- to 8-foot-high torches made of silver …