Christmas in Tuscany
Christmas in undoubtedly the biggest holiday celebrated not only in Tuscany but all over Italy. According to some it is the best season to explore the traditions and festivities of Tuscany. It is celebrated from Christmas Eve upto Epiphany in the Tuscan countryside as well as in all the major cities and towns.
This is a lovely time of the year to visit any part of Tuscany. Every where you go you will find the enactment of the Nativity in almost all the churches. Depicting the nativity scene is an age old Tuscan tradition dating back to the times of Saint Francis. Entire towns and cities adorn themselves with festive lights. There is joy and mirth in the air as both locals and tourists gather together to celebrate Christmas.
The Christmas season is also the time for the flourishing of local markets. Most of the towns, villages and cities gear up to welcome everyone to shop for gifts and to conduct sales. Statues of the Virgin Mary, Jesus, Joseph, sheep, oxen, the three wise men, shepherds etc are available since some houses also maintain the tradition of setting up a nativity scene. These private and public displays bring alive the spirit of the holiday season.
Christmas in Tuscany is renowned for the excellent food that gets cooked and enjoyed by everyone. After the religious ceremonies, food is also an important part of the celebrations. Christmas lunch is filled with many, many dishes as Tuscans feast to their heart’s content on pastas, game, vegetables, cheeses and definitely wine.
Desserts for Christmas are a class apart. Many traditional and exotic desserts like cantucci, panforte, panettone, torrone and many other regional sweets are relished. Of course what completes Christmas is definitely Vinsanto.
Come join us in Tuscany for Christmas. Together we can raise a toast to you coming back to the beautiful region of Tuscany.
