Genova is a very ancient city that went through different eras in history and it absorbed traditions from different cultures, as it was a maritime republic.

The Nativity Scene

Not everybody knows that Genova succeeds in the production of cribs like Napoli, as the tradition dates back to 1600. The most important Nativity Scene is surely the one in Santuario di Nostra Signora Assunta di Carbonara, where more than 1000 little wooden statues are exhibited with their traditional clothes, set in the old Genova.

The Confuego

Since old times, Confuego has always been an important ceremonial, during which the people of Genova used to pay a tribute to thank the highest authorities of the Republic. During the Confuego, the population brought a stump of laurel as a gift to the Doge and it was decorated with red and white ribbons. It was then burned as a good omen and people used to bring a piece of that for their homes. If you’re in Genova at Christmas, you can’t miss this celebration.

The lights and the Christmas markets

During the Christmas season, Genova lights up and becomes a fairy village. There are many lights in the streets and in the harbor, which look even shinier thanks to the reflection of water. Furthermore, the palace of the region and the fountain in Piazza Ferrari light up and make the whole squares shine. In the squares, there are attractions for adults and young people, like a luna park and the traditional Christmas markets, where you can taste typical products and buy some gifts for the people you love. Here you can verify the events taking place.

Christmas food

The Genoese traditional cuisine is very variegated and it doesn’t disappoint your expectations when it comes to Christmas food. Among the most delicious meals there’s the cappon magro, which is made with fish and vegetables, the stockfish, and the cima, a sack of meat filled with delicious ingredients. Dessert can’t be missed: the pandolce is the representative dessert of the city, which was commissioned by the Doge in 1500.

Our homes in Genoa.
Our experiences in Genoa.

November 13th, 2021