Spending Christmas vacation in Italy is an experience unlike any other. With the arrival of the holiday season Italians get busy in preparation of the big day. During this time many airline companies offer special packages and discounts for those planning their Christmas vacations in Italy. Christmas in Italy is celebrated in great style with every household, shops, recreational centers and other places being decorated in the most beautiful manner. With the coming of the winter season the whole atmosphere in Italy is one of excitement and anticipation for arrival of the special event.
Christmas Celebrations in Italy
In Italy, Christmas is celebrated with the same fervor and enthusiasm as it is done in other parts of Europe or even more so. Some of the traditional Christmas practices in Italy are a little different from other nations. For example the main exchange of Christmas gifts happens on 6th January, which is the feast of the Epiphany. This day is celebrated in memory of the Magi's visit to Christ Child. Children in Italy eagerly wait for a visit from La Befana, who is known to get gifts for the good children and punishment for the bad. During your Christmas vacation in Italy, you will also experience other traditions practiced in various cities.
On the Christmas Eve, cannons are fired from the Castel St. Angelo in the city of Rome in Italy. This is done to announce the start of the holiday season. The famous Nativity play, which is one of the most much loved and continuing symbols of the holiday season, has its origins in Italy.
Christmas Shopping in Italy
During you Christmas vacation in Italy you can indulge in plenty of shopping in the various stores located in different parts of the country. The Epiphany Fair in Piazza Navona is the much sought after place for Christmas shopping in Italy. In addition to this there are also a number of specialty markets set up during the holiday season. Some of places in Italy where these specialty markets for Christmas are set up include Prato (Tuscany), Bastia Umbra (Umbria), Venice, San Marino and Trentino-Alto Adige.
The Christmas season in Italy continues for three weeks, beginning eight prior to Christmas and is known as the Novena. During this time called Novena, children go from one house to the next and recite Christmas poems and sing Christmas carols.
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