Apulian Christmas is not celebrated in only one day, but it’s more of a period that people live through traditions with their loved ones. Everything starts at the beginning of December, when all the cities start dressing up for the celebration.

December 8th

On the 8th of December, day of the Immaculate Conception, the Christmas period starts in Apulia. Towns get dressed with colorful lights, markets and processions, in order to celebrate Mary’s conception of Jesus. Every family starts decorating their house, as it has to welcome the arrival of the child Jesus.

The nativity scene

In every Apulian house, the nativity scene can’t be missed, an ancient tradition still present in Apulia. Every family has one, which is made according to everyone’s fantasy. As well as the houses, the cities set up nativity scenes too, but living ones, which warm the hearts of every passenger.
One of the most beautiful living nativity scenes is in Alberobello. The town is already very beautiful during the whole year, but at Christmas time it shines thanks to the joyful and colorful atmosphere.

The lights and the Christmas markets

Apulian cities dress up in green, red and gold in order to celebrate Christmas. All the towns have characteristics that make them unique, and they find the most suitable decorations in order to make those characteristics pop up, offering a wonderful experience. Walking among those little streets is calming and joyful, you can breath the Christmas spirit.

And, of course, there are also Christmas markets. In every square of every city, Christmas markets are set up, where you can taste local products or buy gifts for the ones you love.
You can verify those events here.

Christmas Eve

On December 24th, day of Christmas Eve, all the families gather around the table and eat a magnificent dinner while waiting for Jesus’ arrival. The meals are delicious and rich, with moments of sharing and some games. Usually, a typical Apulian dinner comprehends fish, such as stockfish, eel and mussels. Obviously, orecchiette alle cime di rapa, the typical Apulian dish, can’t be missed.

But the Christmas spirit is all in the desserts. The most famous ones are the carteddate, which have the shape of a ring, representing Jesus’ halo. There are also pettole, small spheres of pasta fried in the oil and eaten with honey, and cuscinetti di gesù bambino, a glazed dessert filled with almond paste.

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November 17th 2020
In relation to the health emergency, please verify the events are actually taking place.