The Christmas tree and Santa Klaus have surely gotten into Neapolitan houses, but in Napoli Christmas is celebrated in its own way, as there are some traditions that can’t be ignored.

Like in every other part of Italy, decorations are set up on the feast of the Immaculate conception. If you want to visit Naples, this is one of the best times, since Christmas is really felt in the city. Let's take a look at the main traditions and events of a Neapolitan Christmas celebration.

San Gregorio Armeno and the Nativity Scene

In Napoli, the crib belongs to a long and ancient tradition that originated in a little street of the historical center: San Gregorio Armeno street. This street is famous because it gathers all the artisan workshops involved in crib production. So, every Neapolitan person, during Christmas time, walks along via San Gregorio Armeno at least once in order to buy something to add to their crib.
Hence, in every Neapolitan family there is a crib and it’s set up on the 8th of December, but it stays incomplete: Jesus child is put during the night between 24th and 25th December.

Christmas Eve dinner

On the night of 24th December, the family eats together and eel and stockfish can’t miss. In Napoli, in fact, during Christmas Eve dinner people usually eat fish, mostly fried. It is usually bought in the evening between 23rd and 24th December at the fish market, which stays open just because of this occasion. After dinner, people play and exchange gifts, then go all together to Mass.

Tombola

Certainly, Tombola must be played, as it is a very old game. Families gather together around the table and play tombola, which is like bingo but it differs from it in the way the numbers are announced: a meaning is associated with every number, and the person announcing it has to explain a story related to it.

Desserts

Fish is very important during Christmas Eve dinner, and so are desserts. Therefore, Neapolitan patisserie has a great variety of pastries, and the ones dedicated to Christmas are struffoli, little balls of pasta covered with honey. Furthermore, another Christmas dessert is roccocò, a sort of donut with almonds.

Christmas Markets

The joyful Christmas atmosphere is given by the many markets all around the city center. It is possible to taste traditional food or to buy little statues to put in your crib. Every corner of the city is celebrating: among lights and music, the Christmas spirit can be felt even just walking around the historical center.
You can check the markets here.

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November 11th, 2021