Christmas and Epiphany

In southern Italy, Christmas is traditionally celebrated right through from 24 December, Christmas Eve, to 6 January, Epiphany. This Christian festival was originally based on the pagan season that started with Saturnalia, a winter solstice festival, and ended on the Roman New Year, the Calends. Traditional Christmas food includes a selection of fish dishes on Christmas Eve, when meat is shunned, and a long lunch of several courses on Christmas Day. For sweet treats, southern Italians love panettone and cookies served with figs and plenty of sugar.