How much of a tradition is the Christmas season in Italy?
In Italy, Christmas' arrival happens much earlier than you might think. While the big day is December 25th, the holiday season actually stretches from early December all the way to January 6th. Italian children are particularly lucky because Santa Claus (Babbo Natale) doesn't work alone. Depending on which part of Italy you live in, Santa has a team of “assistants” who either beat him to the punch or clean up after he leaves!
Who are St. Nicholas and the Krampus?
In North-Eastern Italy, traditions are heavily influenced by Austrian history. Here, the holiday season kicks off on December 6th with San Nicolò (Saint Nicholas). According to legend, Nicholas was a kind man who saved three poor girls from a life of misery by secretly providing their dowries. Today, he is the protector of children. On the morning of the 6th, kids wake up to find gifts left by their parents, who pretend the white-bearded saint visited in the night. But Nicholas doesn't travel alone. He is accompanied by the Krampus – a terrifying little devil used to scare children into behaving. While Saint Nicholas hands out chocolates, the Krampus threatens “naughty” kids with coal. Don’t worry, though – in modern Italy, the “coal” is actually delicious black rock candy made of sugar!
Who is Saint Lucy who brings gifts to children in Italy?
In the North-West and parts of Sicily, the star of the show is Santa Lucia. Her feast day is December 13th. Lucia was a martyr who, during the Roman persecutions, reportedly brought food and supplies to Christians hiding in the catacombs. Long before Santa Claus became a global icon in the 20th century, Santa Lucia was the primary gift-bringer for many Italian regions. Even today, children in cities like Bergamo or Verona write letters to her, leaving out carrots for her donkey and coffee for the saint before they head to bed, hoping to wake up to a house full of toys.
Who is the Befana, and why is she so iconic in Italy?
If a child lives in a region without Nicholas or Lucia, they still have one last chance for treats after Christmas. On January 6th, the feast of the Epiphany, Italy welcomes La Befana. Forget the sleek, red suit of Santa; the Befana is a hunched-over old woman with a crooked nose, a tattered skirt, and a shawl over her shoulders. She looks like a stereotypical witch, but she is beloved. She flies on a broomstick and fills stockings – literally large socks – with sweets for the good children and onions or coal for the bad ones.
Loved this episode?
Turn it into practice.
Get the full transcript and a set of comprehension questions, the perfect way to take your Italian listening skills to the next level.
Click here to download the PDF
