In Italy, every holiday has a dish… and every dish tells a story.
If there’s one thing Italians know how to do — it’s celebrate. And by celebrate, we mean eat. A lot.
Italian holidays are not just dates on a calendar. They’re full-blown sensory experiences — filled with tradition, family, laughter, and, most importantly, unforgettable food.
Whether it’s Christmas feasts, Easter brunches, or the fiery grills of Ferragosto, each celebration comes with its own iconic dishes. Here’s your front-row seat (and appetite) to experience them like a local.
🎄 Natale (Christmas) – Comfort, Seafood, and Sweet Memories
When: December 24–26
Vibe: Cozy, traditional, family-first. Prepare for a 4-hour meal minimum.
🍝 Christmas Eve: La Vigilia
In many parts of Italy, December 24 is meat-free and all about seafood.
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Baccalà (salted cod)
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Fried calamari
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Spaghetti alle vongole (clam pasta)
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Insalata di mare (seafood salad)
It’s light… but only in theory.
🐷 Christmas Day: Il Pranzo di Natale
Now the gloves come off. Expect a multi-course feast with:
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Cappelletti or tortellini in brodo (stuffed pasta in broth)
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Roasted meats (lamb, veal, or capon)
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Lasagna, especially in Southern regions
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Vegetable pies like sformato di carciofi (artichoke flan)
And of course… the sweet finish:
🎁 Panettone or Pandoro – Italy’s iconic Christmas cakes.
Pro tip: in Milan, panettone is sacred. In Verona? It’s all about pandoro.
🐣 Pasqua (Easter) – Rebirth, Springtime… and Roast Lamb
When: March/April (date varies)
Vibe: Fresh, festive, and full of symbolism. Eggs, lamb, and seasonal greens take the spotlight.
🥚 The Classics:
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Torta Pasqualina – Savory pie with spinach, ricotta, and whole baked eggs.
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Lamb (Agnello al forno) – Roasted with rosemary, garlic, and potatoes.
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Hard-boiled eggs – Decorated, blessed, and served everywhere.
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Fava beans and pecorino – A Roman favorite, especially during spring.
🐤 Sweet Easter Musts:
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Colomba di Pasqua – Dove-shaped cake, like a panettone but with almonds and no raisins.
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Chocolate eggs – Giant ones with toys or jewelry hidden inside. Kids go wild.
🥂 Bonus tradition: the Monday after Easter is Pasquetta, aka picnic day. Think grilled meats, cheeses, and wine in the countryside. Pure Italian joy.
☀️ Ferragosto – Fire, Food & Mid-August Madness
When: August 15
Vibe: Summer, seaside, and grigliate (BBQs). It's Italy’s biggest vacation day.
Originally a Roman celebration and later a Catholic holiday, Ferragosto is now the national excuse to eat, escape the city, and do absolutely nothing — except feast.
🔥 Ferragosto Essentials:
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Grigliata mista – Mixed grill: sausages, ribs, skewers, steaks, chicken wings — all fired up.
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Pasta fredda – Cold pasta salad with olives, mozzarella, tuna, veggies.
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Watermelon – No Ferragosto is complete without a huge slice of anguria.
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Tiramisu or fruit tart – Light, cold, and easy to serve under the sun.
🍷 Add some chilled white wine or homemade limoncello, and you’re golden.
✈️ Want to Taste the Holidays Like a Local?
At Tour Guide Erik, we believe every traveler should experience Italy’s holidays with their fork. Whether you’re in Rome for Natale, in Florence for Pasqua, or on the Amalfi Coast for Ferragosto — we’ll take you where the locals go, and feed you like family.
👀 Ever dreamed of making tortellini by hand for Christmas?
🧺 Or picnicking in the hills of Tuscany for Pasquetta?
🔥 Or joining a seaside grill party with locals in August?
We make it happen.
📸 Follow the Feast
👉 Follow us on Instagram @baccotours for behind-the-scenes videos, authentic recipes, and festive food moments all across Italy.
Because in Italy, food isn’t just part of the holiday —
It is the holiday. 🇮🇹🍷
