Why do Italians only eat fish Christmas Eve?

The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day. As no meat or animal fat could be used on such days, observant Catholics would instead eat fish (typically fried in oil).

Do all Italians eat fish on Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve Fish in the Rest of Italy Eel is regarded as a delicacy in Italy, and therefore a must be on every table for Christmas Eve, regardless of whether there are numerous other fish dishes or not. Every Italian dinner table, regardless of how many types of fish there are, is decorated for the Christmas season.

Why do Sicilians eat fish on Christmas Eve?

In Sicily and Southern Italy it is known as La Vigilia (The Vigil) which commemorates the wait, the Vigilia di Natale, the midnight birth of the baby Jesus. The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat during certain times of the year.

Why are there 7 Fishes on Christmas Eve?

The Feast of the Seven Fishes, or “Festa dei Sette Pesci”, is a Christmas Eve tradition in many Italian households. Most popular in Southern Italy and in Italian-American homes, this Christmas Eve feast stems from Catholics abstaining from meat in commemoration of waiting for the birth of baby Jesus.

What are the seven fishes of Christmas?

Typical “fishes” include baccalà (salt cod), frutti di mare (shellfish), capitone (eel), calamari (squid), scungilli (conch meat) and vongole (clams). Fried vegetables are also a popular accompaniment to the fish; expect fried artichokes, pickled vegetables, fried squash blossoms, and other treats.

What is the name of the Italian witch?

La Befana
In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats on the morning of the Epiphany, January 6.

What is the Italian 7 fishes?

What is the 7 fish Italian tradition?

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is the annual Christmas Eve vigil and epic seafood feast that has grown into the most beloved meal of the year in Italian-American households. Steeped in tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is the centerpiece meal of the entire holiday season.

Do Sicilians celebrate feast of Seven Fishes?

Feast of the Seven Fishes, also known as La Vigilia (The Vigil), is a Sicilian-American traditional dinner on Christmas Eve. Like many Italian traditions, the origin and rules are debated. Some Italians celebrate with 13 dishes for the 12 apostles plus Jesus.

What is a traditional Sicilian Christmas dinner?

Italians are known for going all out for Christmas, and the traditions vary geographically. A meaty ragú is often found on a Calabrian table, while tortellini in brodo—a broth usually made from capon, or a mix of capon and beef or veal—is a favorite across Emilia-Romania….A Sicilian Inspired Christmas — Part I: Dinner.

Servings	Prep Time
6	20 minutes

Is the feast of Seven Fishes Catholic?

It is not a Roman Catholic feast day. The Feast of the Seven Fishes may go hand-in-hand with Roman Catholicism, but it’s not a religious “feast day.” There is no such thing as the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” in the Roman Catholic calendar.

Do they celebrate the 7 fishes in Italy?

The Italian feast of the seven fishes is a tradition celebrated every year in mostly Southern Italy and in Italian-Americans throughout the United States. However, one does not have to be Italian to celebrate this tradition.

Why do we eat seafood on Christmas Eve in Italy?

This celebration commemorates the wait, the Vigilia di Natale, for the midnight birth of the baby Jesus. The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day.

Why do we eat Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve is one of the most Holy days of the year, which resulted in Southern Italians cooking up meals of fish with oil, because of the abundant access, leading to the tradition. While the modern tradition is to eat seven fishes, the actual reason behind the number seven is not completely clear.

What is the Feast of the Seven Fishes in Italy?

The feast of the seven fishes on Christmas Eve is one of the most popular Italian traditions in America, yet is not widely celebrated in Italy. It is mostly seen in southern Italy and Sicily, where fish is the most abundant, and each area celebrates in their own way.

What are the Christmas traditions in Italy?

If you’re interested in Florence read more about Florence in December) The real tradition in Italy comes at midnight on Christmas Eve when the Duomo of each city celebrates the midnight mass, I’m sure that if you’re in a country with a majority Christian population it’s the same for you.