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Christmas in Italy is celebrated for three weeks. The celebration of Christmas in Italy starts eight days before Christmas. During this phase groups of children dressed as shepherds visit houses piping and reciting Christmas poems and songs to collect money.
In Italy during Christmas a strict feast is taken twenty-four hours before Christmas Eve. Then celebration meal with highlight called panettone is served. At noon everyone visits Vatican square to seek blessings from the Pope. In the twilight, candles are lighted around Presepio.
The wait for the gifts extends upto the day of Epiphany on January 6. According to the tradition, it is believed that La Befana visits the houses on her broomstick to deliver presents to children. Actually, she was busy sweeping her house when three wise men appeared at her door to ask the way of the place where Christ was born. She replied that she doesn't have time to tell them. Later she felt bad and searched for them but she could not find them. As the lady felt sorry she still travels to search for the Christ Child leaving gift at every doorstep.
Travour offers you information regarding Christmas in Italy. Wish you a very happy and prosperous Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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