The Feast of the 7 Fishes
Searching for the truth behind this "Italian" tradition. Team Pannetone vs. Team Pandoro and four things you can do NOW to prepare for a new life in Italy.
Delicious Chaos - The Feast of the 7 Fishes šš¦š£š¦š š¦š
Delicous chaos. Thatās how Iād describe the Feast of the Seven Fishesā¦at least at my house.
When I was a child, I thought everyone celebrated Christmas Eve with a huge seafood feast. Preparation for this tradition started a few weeks prior and usually included my father extensively searching for the best prices for squid, cod, and crab legs.
I remember the smell of clams and mussels mixed with garlic and butter and the sound of clinking dishes as my mom hunted for the oversized serving trays that were only used at Christmas. When it was time for the food to be served, I eyed where the pasta and crab legs would land on the table so that I could choose my seat wisely. And then, chaos ensued.
Crustaceans were crunched. Spaghetti was devoured. Glasses were emptied and then filled again. My family fell into a familiar dance that only took place once a year but felt as comforting as Saturday morning cartoons. The feast would last for hours and the food on the table seemed to replenish itself.
Nobody ever explained why we celebrated this feast. I just knew we were Italian and thatās the way it was. You can imagine my surprise to eventually learn that the Feast of the Seven Fishes didnāt even come from Italy (more on this below ā¬ļø). It took me a while to process this shocking information, but when the dust finally settled I realized that the origins really didnāt matter. It is still a celebration of culture that will always be a part of my holiday memoriesā¦and holidays to come.
Does your family celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes? Let me know in the comments.
Searching for the Truth - An Italian-Inspired Tradition š
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of Italians left their homeland, escaping desperate economic conditions, widespread poverty, limited job opportunities, and tremendous agricultural challenges.
Many landed in the urban areas of North America. As these immigrants created new lives, they also created vibrant Italian communities where they continued to celebrate their cultural roots and create new traditions. It is likely that the Feast of the Seven Fishes was one of these new traditions.
A large percentage of those who left Italy came from the economically depressed South, where fish and seafood dominated the typical diet. This, in addition to the fact that most Italians adhered to the Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat on Fridays during Advent, probably contributed to the birth of the Feast.
This Christmas Eve tradition allowed Italian immigrants to celebrate together, connect to their roots, and enjoy familiar dishes that reminded them of the Bel Paese. Over the years, many families of these Italian immigrants embraced the tradition ā in fact, subsequent generations often believed it originated in Italy.
Actually, the Feast of the Seven Fishes did not originate in Italy but, interestingly enough, it seems the tradition has, in a sense, boomeranged back to the homeland! Recently, renowned chef and food blogger, Giulia Scarpaleggia of Julās Kitchen, joined our private community, A New Life in Italy, to discuss Christmas food traditions in Italy. She mentioned that the Feast is making an appearance in Italy, especially in the South.
āThe tradition was probably born in the U.S. among Italian immigrants,ā she says. āYes, in the South, we celebrate with a dinner based on seafood, fish, and shellfish but itās not a traditionā¦ where every family has that. Although it is getting more common in Italy. Itās coming back. Weāre learning more about [it] in Italy.ā
So, whatās on the menu? It can vary but often includes baccala (salted cod), anguilla (eel), and calamari (squid), prepared in many different ways. The fish can be stuffed, boiled, baked, fried, broiled, pickled, or served raw. Anything goes. The number seven? The answer depends on who you ask. It could represent everything from the seven sacraments to the seven hills of Rome.
Purists might argue about its authenticity, but the Feast of the Seven Fishes is not just about food; it's a celebration that brings people together, a delicious reminder that traditions, like good meals, are meant to be shared and enjoyed. Buon Natale!
Four Things You Can Do NOW to Prepare for your New Life in Italy
Smart Move Italyās Chief Dream Maker, Samantha Wilson, often encourages community members to set a date for their move to Italy. Not just a year or a month, but a specific day. This red circle on the calendar is a tangible reminder to actively pursue your dream. If your date is a while down the road, you may be wondering if thereās anything you could be doing now to get your one step closer to a new life in Italy.
Well, the answer is yes.
Even if youāre years away from a move to Italy, here are 4 action items you can tackle today:
ā Start researching currency exchange services. You donāt want to scramble when the time comes to fund your Italian dream so educate yourself on the process now. A good place to start is with one of our recommended service providers, GC Partners.
ā Declutter. Your move to Italy will most likely require some serious purging of unnecessary āstuff.ā Avoid an overwhelming situation by decluttering a little bit at a time. Start now.
ā Determine the best way for you to stay in Italy. HOW youāll stay in Italy is perhaps the most important question to answer before setting off on your adventure. Donāt underestimate the time it may take to address this important detail. Whether itās citizenship or a visa, take advantage of the time you have now to check off some crucial requirements and/or gather documents.
ā Learn the basics of Italian and start conversing. A lack of language skills can sometimes be the biggest obstacle to enjoying your new life in Italy so put in the work now. You donāt need to reach fluency but familiarizing yourself with basic words and phrases will be a huge benefit once you actually arrive in Italy. Maybe even join a casual conversation group to gain confidence. You wonāt regret it.
Do you have some other suggestions or tips to help others prepare for a move to Italy? Share them in the comments.
SMI Community Feature - Angela Di Bello š
For those seeking citizenship recognition, the journey is anything but predictable. For some, the path can be complicated, requiring many rounds of amendments to correct names and dates. For others, the process is straightforward. When Angela Di Bello first considered the opportunity for recognition, she wasnāt sure which category sheād fall into.
Angela was born in Monopoli, Puglia to an American father and Italian mother at the end of World War II. She immigrated to the U.S. at a young age and didnāt return to Italy until many years later. It was a reunion to remember.
āI waited a long time to take a trip to Puglia so when I finally returned with my daughter, two granddaughters, and son-in-law, it was truly a dream come true,ā she says. āI was most excited to see my aunt Lucia. I left when I was 7 and she was 17. I hadnāt seen her since.ā
The (re)connection with her large, Italian family was instant and, of course, included plenty of food. The group shared lively and delicious meals with cousins of all ages as stories were told (in both English and Italian) and memories were made.
āTogether we got to visit the masseria where I was born as well as other towns in Puglia,ā she says. āAll in all, a delightful and truly memorable journey!ā
This visit inspired Angela to pursue citizenship recognition, but she had no idea where to start, or if she was even eligible. Seeking guidance, she signed up for a free consultation with Smart Move Italy. After sharing her familyās immigration and naturalization details, Angela was advised to make an appointment at the New York consulate to present her documents. Her lineage was clear and her documents were all in hand so this was a clear-cut DIY case.
āMuch to my surprise, and because I had all the necessary documents, the process to obtain my Italian passport was relatively simple,ā she says. āYou see, although I became a naturalized US citizen, I will, by birthright, always be an Italian citizen.ā
Angelaās initial consultation gave her the confidence to move forward with her application without professional assistance, but each case is unique. Whether your case is simple, like Angelaās, or more complicated, consulting with a citizenship assistance professional is the best place to start.
If youāre ready to explore the possibility of citizenship recognition, a FREE 15-minute call can help determine your eligibility and the best path forward. Click the link to schedule.
Time to Vote! āšTeam Pannetone or Team Pandoro?
For many families, some topics ignite a bevy of emotions around the holiday dinner table. Typically, politics and religion top the list but in many Italian families, there is an ongoing debate on the best holiday treat. Is it pannetone or pandoro?
This age-old question leads to animated conversations about the delicious characteristics of each.
Pannetone, with its classic blend of candied fruits and raisins, offers a more complex flavor profile and a rich texture. It's a celebration of tradition. Originating from Milan, it is believed to date back to the 15th century. There are many stories associated with Pannetone. One legend is that a young falconer named Toni created the bread-like cake to win the heart of his beloved. š¤·āāļø
On the other hand, Pandoro, with its golden, star-shaped appearance and buttery simplicity, embodies a different kind of holiday magic. Its soft, fluffy interior makes it a versatile, yet understated treat. Pandoro hails from Verona and emerged in the 18th century as an aristocratic confection. Its name, meaning "golden bread," aptly describes its golden color and star-shaped form.
š Iād love to know where you stand on this hot-button issue. Let us know in the poll below if youāre on Team Pannetone or Team Pandoro. And in true Italian fashionā¦NO, you canāt choose both (though you can definitely eat both!). š
Property Spotlight - Trani, Puglia š
In the south of Italy, a little over an hour north of Bari, sits a lovely seaport town. In one moment, you can feel the energy of the fishing port, and in the next, the serenity of the ancient churches. Wandering through the well-kept streets, it seems youāll find everything good about Puglia rolled up into one pretty package called Trani. Often called the Pearl of the Adriatic, itās easy to fall in love with this cozy, town that is equal parts charming and vibrant.
The crown jewel of Trani is the majestic cathedral, a mesmerizing Romanesque beauty perched on the waterfront, casting its reflection in the calm waters of the harbor. As you stroll along the marina, the historic Swabian Castle (originally built to protect the Kingdom of Sicily) stands proudly, its ancient walls telling tales of centuries gone by.
Don't miss the opportunity to savor local flavors at one of the seafood trattorias, where the day's catch transforms into culinary masterpieces. Trani, with its dynamic blend of history and coastal allure, promises an unforgettable sojourn that lingers in the heart.
Even if youāre not in the market, you NEED to check out this apartment in Trani that was featured in this weekās Vendita free newsletter. ā¬ļø Itās so beautiful and at a bargain price! Be sure to subscribe via email, or join our Telegram channel. Itās completely free!
Need help finding your perfect property in Trani or anywhere else in Italy? Spots are now open in our property purchase assistance program. Click the link for more information. ā¬ļø
This Christmas, Binge on Italian Properties. šļø
Every issue of Vendita is worth checking out but you definitely donāt want to miss the upcoming holiday issue.
Along with gorgeous homes that will inspire your property search, youāll also discover some amazing Italian towns offering a wide range of winter activities and festive traditions, along with a curated Italy-themed gift guide. This special issue will be in your inbox on December 24 so be sure to subscribe!
ASA (Ask Samantha Anything)
Email us at sophia@smartmoveitaly.com to submit your questions.
Dear Samantha: What are the options for home insurance in Italy?
Dear Tricia: Insurance in Italy is not as widely sold as it is in other countries. In fact, I only know a handful of people who have homeowners insurance, and none of them are Italian. This doesn't mean there isn't any insurance available or that you donāt need it, it's just not the norm.
Of course, there is theft and damage insurance but also in some areas that have higher earthquake risk (Abruzzo/Marche) you can consider special coverage.
Check with some larger insurance companies here like Generali or AXA but it may be hard to find an English speaker to help you. Feel free to contact our Insurance agent for SMI, Barbara at GDF Insurance (info@gdfinsurance.com), who speaks English.
All I Want for Christmas isā¦a New Life in Italy š š®š¹
This holiday season, Iām sure you all have one or two Italy-inspired gifts on your wish list. Iād love to hear about them. What do you want the most? A coffee table book featuring charming Italian hilltop towns? Cooking lessons? A language course? A membership to A New Life in Italy, SMIās private community (an excellent choice!)? Share your top picks in the comments.
It is rumored that Santa is a big fan of Italy Per Te, so you just may get what you want this year. š šššāļø
Thanks for reading and for being part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!