Being Italian: December 8: Immaculate Conception

By Rossella Natili

Today, December 8, Italy celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most cherished feasts in Catholic tradition. This day officially marks the beginning of the Christmas season and brings with it deep traditions that unite faith, family, and folklore.

What is the Immaculate Conception?

Contrary to popular belief, the Immaculate Conception refers not to the conception of Jesus, but to the conception of Mary, free from original sin. This dogma, proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854, celebrates the Virgin Mary’s purity from the moment of conception.

Italian Traditions

On December 8th, Italians prepare for Christmas with various traditions:

Christmas Tree – This is the traditional day when Italian families decorate the tree and set up the nativity scene at home. Children eagerly await this moment!

Christmas Markets – In many Italian cities, from Alto Adige to Sicily, December 8th marks the official opening of Christmas markets, with stalls selling crafts, sweets, and mulled wine.

Celebrations in Rome – In the capital, the most senior firefighter would go to Piazza di Spagna to pay homage to the statue of the Madonna with a wreath of flowers. This ceremony has been held every December 8th since 1948, with thousands of worshippers in attendance.

Traditional Foods – Special dishes are prepared in various regions: in Sicily, fried sweets “sfince” are a typical feature of this holiday; in other regions, legume soups commemorate abstinence from meat.

December 8th reminds us that Christmas is not just a commercial holiday; it’s also a time to reconnect with our roots, family, and the values that unite us. Believe it or not, this day is the perfect opportunity to slow down, light a candle, and enjoy the magic of excitement.

Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception to all!