The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on 8 December, is a significant public holiday across Italy. This Catholic feast honours the Virgin Mary’s immaculate conception, meaning her freedom from original sin from the moment of her creation.
Pope Pius IX officially declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854. However, Italians celebrated the feast for centuries before this. The holiday reflects the deep Marian devotion present in Italian Catholicism. Churches often hold special Masses and processions, with believers gathering to honour Mary.
In Rome, the Pope brings a floral wreath and lays it at the base of the column of the Immaculate Conception in Piazza Mignanelli, towards the south east part of Piazza di Spagna in Rome. This traditions is relatively recent, dating back to 1958. Firefighters will also place a garland of flowers on the top of the statue.
Customs and Celebrations
The feast day also signals the beginning of the festive season. Many families decorate their homes with nativity scenes and Christmas trees on this day. Cities and towns hold festivals, lighting displays, and parades, creating a joyful atmosphere.
A survey by Ixè, for farm group Coldiretti, reveals some 87% of Italians will put up their tree on this day in 2024. Trees will cost an average €39 each and some 3.7 million homes will have them, said the survey. Also, over half Italians, or 57%, will also have a ‘presepe’ or nativity scene in their homes over the festive season.
In southern Italy, local traditions often involve community gatherings and fire rituals. These rituals symbolise purification and pay homage to the Virgin Mary.
Culinary Traditions
The feast day also has a culinary side, with regional dishes playing a starring role. In Campania, families enjoy zeppole, fried dough treats often topped with sugar or honey. Sicily offers sfincione, a thick, spongy pizza with a tomato, onion, and anchovy topping.
In northern Italy, dishes vary. Polenta and hearty stews reflect the colder climate, offering comfort during the celebrations. Panettone, though traditionally a Christmas dessert, often makes an early appearance on this feast day.
