Italy has a huge set of traditions, both about food and about uses, especially during Christmas. This time of the year makes everything magic, even those places which already are amazing to visit. Let’s make a tour of those Southern Italy territories where EVO oil is produced which have strong Christmas traditions, both ancient and modern. Have fun!

Caltagirone (Sicily) and its nativity scenes

In Sicily, among those territories where Monti Iblei PDO EVO Oil is produced, there is the Catania province area. Caltagirone, in particular, stands out for its ancient ceramic handicraft tradition, in fact, it is so-called “The ceramic town.” In Christmas time, Caltagirone is famous for its nativity scenes which are saved in the museum dedicated to them, in public places (such as the library), in churches and, obviously, in people’s houses, which sometimes open to tourists. Nativity scenes are all different; some are made of ceramic, other ones are made of original materials like paper or cotton. Caltagirone counts a collection of more than 2500 nativity scenes which come from all parts of the world.

Otranto (Puglia) and the bagpipe players myth

Otranto is one of the leading territories for Terra d’Otranto PDO EVO Oil production. In South “Salento” (a zone of Puglia region) there’s the bagpipe players centuries-old tradition. These ancient figures are linked to pastoralism. Bagpipe has become a Christmas instrument because the myth narrates that the god Pan used to play it to encourage Sun birth during Winter solstice. Moreover, it seems that in Saint Francis’ nativity stage (the first ever) there was a couple of bagpipe players.
In Otranto, bagpipe players wear traditional clothes and walk every street playing typical Christmas songs. On 24 and 25 December, they stand before the churches for Christmas mass celebrations.

Lamezia Terme (Calabria) and its 13 courses Christmas eve dinner

Lametia PDO EVO Oil is extremely linked to its territory, in fact, its production area is Lamezia Terme Valley, in Catanzaro province. There, Christmas traditions are pretty ordinary, except for a particular one: Christmas eve dinner absolutely must include 13 courses, maybe for the number of apostles and Jesus. Also neighbours help cooking, because having less than 13 courses is considered a bad sign. Some of the typical dishes are salty codfish, broccoli, fennels and fried pumpkin.

Melfi (Basilicata) and its stunning Christmas illuminations

The Vùlture mount is an inactive volcano in Basilicata region. It is surrounded by hills whose ground have particular characteristics which are perfect for agriculture, and centuries-old olive trees attest it. Melfi is one of Vùlture PDO EVO Oil production territories. Lately, Melfi is known as “Christmas Town” for its stunning Christmas illuminations. Fantastic installations and light tricks represent Christmas subjects, and there also is a special care for the environment: a lot of plastic bottles are used to realize light decorations.

San Martino in Pensilis (Molise) and Christmas traditional markets

Olive cultivation and oil production belong to the Molise region historical patrimony. Here, Molise PDO EVO Oil is produced, and San Martino in Pensilis is one of its production territories which is well known for its traditional nativity scenes exhibition during which, in the Ancient Village, Christmas markets are organized. There, you can buy Christmas objects and food & drink products linked to the territory and the local traditions.