In Italy there is a rich history of Christmas (Natale in Italian) traditions that reflect its cultural heritage and natural charm. Here are some of the most famous and unique ones to Maremma to enjoy during your winter visit to this magical place.
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Presepe Vivente
Across the world many places have nativity scenes in Churches or in Schools to celebrate the origin story of Christmas and teach young children the story of the nativity. Here in Italy they create Presepe and in some places they have Presepe Vivente or Living Nativity Scenes all over the small towns and villages that make this area so special.
Many of the people from these communities dress in characters from the nativity story reenacting the birth of Jesus. Historic centres are altered into larger than life settings for these Christmas tales with traditional crafts, costumes and sometimes even animals. Visit Monte Argentario’s Porto Ercole to experience a beautiful living nativity with an exceptional background. Running from the 26th December until the 7th January, the living nativity takes over a huge part of this stunning coast. It’s not to be missed. Take the train from Grosseto to Orbetello Monte Argentario then take the bus to Porto Ercole. The total journey takes around an hour and once on the Silver Coast there is lots to explore, so make a weekend out of it!
Any window ledge, balcony, bench or front door may also boast a small nativity made from wooden or plastic characters, shining brightly in the winter night with twinkling fairy lights that illuminate these ornate decorations.
One of the most stand out locations to see the best of these Presepe is Montorsaio. Found at the top of hill overlooking the River Ombrone about 20km from Grosseto. This ancient village is filled with wooden presepe on every hidden corner, in any empty space. It’s a Christmas feast for the eyes! From the 8th December until 6th January these wonders will be lit up for everyone to enjoy. Every hilltop village throughout the Maremma region will be showcasing their own presepe so take a road trip to find these Christmas wonders that make the Maremma so special at this time of year.
Christmas Markets
There are an abundance of excellent Christmas Markets (Mercatini di Natale) dotted about the Maremma. Each one offering local products unique to the area as well as crafts and decorations. In places like Grosseto and Pitigliano, these markets often include artisanal goods, olive oil, wine, and Tuscan specialties.
Massa Marittima hosts its annual market within the walls of the Chiostri di Sant’Agostino, Terziere di Cittanuova in “new town”. These incredible church grounds are a beautiful structure of light and dark. The perfectly spaced columns allow light to flow in and around the green place at the centre. A dramatic medieval setting for a Christmas market to pick up some Tuscan goodies or knitted moments.
Pitigliano hosts their Christmas market in the Piazza Della Repubblica in December and is chance to visit one of the most photographed villages in the Maremma, jutting out atop the Tuff Rock. Lights are strategically placed around the buildings as though it’s floating, steeped in history with the added bonus of a festive market, this one is not to be missed.
What to eat
As with anything in Italy food is at its heart and Christmas is one of the best times of the year to try all the best bits that Tuscany has to offer, especially the dolci (sweets). At the markets and through the shops found in Maremma, you will be greeted by delicious, mouth wateringly good Christmas delicacies.
Maremma’s culinary traditions shine during Christmas. Some to sample include Panforte which is a dense, spiced fruitcake. Ricciarelli: oval shaped melt in the month almond cookies from Siena, but that are enjoyed across Tuscany. Cavallucci which are biscuits with anise, nuts, and candied fruit. Starting to feel the cold? Warm up with a traditional recipe like tortellini in brodo (pasta in broth), this heartwarming broth will heat you up from the inside out with delicate parcels of pasta filled with a mix of pork, prosciutto and parmigiano.
The world over all who celebrate will do so over a delicious feast on Christmas Day and in Italy it is no different. A time to come together over everyones favourite past time, eating! Lunch in Italy is a long and lively activity with the whole family, and Christmas Lunch is an extra special one.
A tavola, at the table you will eagerly devour an antipasto of sliced meats and cheeses, then your primo piatti (first plate) of lasagne al forno or tagliatelle, followed by secondi piatti (second plate) which is always meat. Usually for this time of year you will find a course of lamb with cosy side dishes of lightly seasoned roasted potatoes and vegetables. Then of course your dolce (sweet). Topped off with an espresso to end and perhaps a digestif such as grappa or amaro. Surrounded by your nearest and dearest, or perhaps new Italian friends, this is the perfect holiday for your tastebuds.
Fiaccolate (Torchlight Processions)
Torchlight processions are common in Maremma during Christmas, particularly on Christmas Eve. The communities walk through the villages and towns singing carols and carrying torches to celebrate the festive season.
Fire Rituals are an incredible spectacle to behold at this time of year too. In towns such as Monte Amiata they host an elaborate pagan fire ritual to warm the community and celebrate the end of the year. On the 30th December in Santa Fiora they have a large procession through the town that’s lit up by numerous fires throughout the streets, ending at Palazzo Sforza Cesarini. Fire is a prominent theme in many villages and towns throughout the festive period. Through history it’s been used to ward off evil, to protect the residents and nowadays a celebration and a spectacle for people from all over the world to enjoy.
Epiphany Celebrations
The Befana, a witch-like figure who brings gifts on January 6th, plays a significant role in Maremma. In some towns, parades or small festivals are held to celebrate her arrival. Most villages and towns will also host their own Befana event where someone in the community will dress up as the Befana and bring sweets to the children in the area. Similar to Christmas, Italian children will wake to a calza (stocking) filled with sweets (or coal!) from the mysterious old lady.
It has been said the Befana was invited to witness the birth of Jesus with the three wise men who took shelter in her home one night. However she declined, preferring to clean and organise her home. Soon after the wise men departed on their journey again, the Befana changed her mind and left on her broom in search of baby Jesus.
Unfortunately legend has it that she never found him so is constantly searching the skies on her broom stick leaving sweets for children. This is a huge celebration in the calendar of events in Maremma, the shops will be filed with fun calzone and sweets with illustrations of the Befana everywhere. Rather than have the January blues, take a trip to Italy in January and join in these special celebrations.
In Italy as with most celebrations here, they are centred around family in the Maremma. Extended families gather for feasts, exchange gifts, and spend time together.
Maremma’s Christmas traditions combine heartfelt spirituality, community warmth, and the unique flavors of its Tuscan roots, making the holiday season here unforgettable.