Tag Archives: Italian Christmas
A Seasonal Quiz Posted by Serena on Dec 18, 2018
The Christmas Holidays are just round the corner. How well do you know our cultural traditions for il periodo natalizio? Let’s find out! Here’s a quiz based on Italian culture during the Christmas period. To help you answer the questions, I’ve given some links to previous blogs. Have a go and, if you’re feeling brave…
An Italian Nativity Posted by Geoff on Dec 24, 2015
Probably the most abiding symbol of Christmas here in Italy is il presepe. Il presepe is a reconstruction of the nativity story, and its origins date back to 1223 when San Franceso di Assisi created the first presepe vivente (living presepe). The presepe can be found in three main forms: 1. the simple small scale…
Natale in Tempo di Crisi Posted by Geoff on Dec 22, 2014
The serious economic crisis that Italy is undergoing is making itself felt this Christmas, and it seems that people are beginning to think more carefully about how they spend their money. But perhaps that’s not a bad thing. Let’s face it, Christmas has become a confusing and, in my opinion, obscene mish mash of religious…