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Italian Christmas culinary traditions are deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture, offering a diverse array of regional specialties. From the Alps in the north to the Mediterranean islands in the south, each region has its own unique recipes and dishes that make the holiday season a time of joy, community, and, most importantly, exceptio...

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The Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn (FIAO), a not-for-profit, charitable community service organization, held its annual holiday party at Sirico's Caterers the evening of Thursday, Dec. 19, drawing a crowd of over 200 attendees. "We all had such a great time," Frank Naccarato, long-time FIAO board member, told the Brooklyn...

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In December 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi introduced the first live Nativity scene in Greccio (Lazio), to make the story of Jesus Christ's birth more tangible for the local populace. This marked the beginning of a tradition that has endured for over 800 years, transforming Greccio into a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the Christmas...

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Calabria, the southern tip of Italy’s mainland, is home to Christmas traditions that are as lively as they are deeply rooted in faith and community. Over the years, some of these customs have faded, yet they remain a powerful reflection of the region’s unique cultural identity and the shared joy that once defined the holiday season.  One of the mos...

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Bolzano, nestled in the heart of South Tyrol, Italy, is renowned for its enchanting Christmas celebrations, blending Italian charm with Austrian traditions. Known as the Christmas capital of Italy, the city comes alive during the festive season, offering a magical experience for visitors from around the globe. The Bolzano Christmas Market is a high...

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The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, an iconic symbol of the holiday season in New York City, has its roots deeply embedded in Italian American history. This tradition, now celebrated worldwide, began humbly in 1931 during the Great Depression when Italian immigrant construction workers, employed at the Rockefeller Center site, came together to e...

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My mother’s family came to America from their home in Acerra and eventually settled in the near-west side of Chicago in the Little Italy area, much of which has since disappeared under the concrete of The University of Illinois-Chicago. They established a grocery store and meat counter that saw them through the Depression, supporting the five child...

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Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world, symbolizing joy, family, and togetherness. It is deeply associated with Christian traditions commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, many of the customs we associate with Christmas, such as gift-giving, feasting, and decorating our homes, have their roots in much ol...

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Italy’s regional cultural diversity means that the country’s traditions, food and, indeed, way of speaking are manifold. Such variety also influences its Christmas traditions, with each region celebrating the festive season with unique customs and, indeed, expressions and words. This linguistic variety stems from Italy’s complex history of regional...

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From time to time, Frank Tropiano will drive past the tiny structure he called home after he and his parents, three sisters and his grandparents arrived in this country in 1966, a structure that was attached to the rear of the house on 7311 Susquehanna St. in Homewood, PA. "Our address was literally 7311 Susquehanna Rear," he explained. The humble...

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