Christmas Traditions on the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is wonderful in every season, but during the Christmas holidays it transforms into a magical and inimitable place. The characteristic villages and towns that make up the Divine Coast are filled with lights, garlands and decorations. Christmas, however, is not only this. It is also the time of year when time-honoured customs and traditions are rediscovered, reflecting the rich culture and deep roots of the local community.
Let’s discover together the main Christmas traditions of the Amalfi Coast.
Nativity scenes
The nativity scene is a deeply rooted tradition in Italy and the Amalfi Coast is no exception. Even in these parts, in fact, Christmas is characterised by the setting up of nativity scenes, which in some cases are even placed in grottos and fountains, as happens in the enchanting Fornillo Grotto in Positano or in the splendid Emerald Grotto in Conca dei Marini, which for the occasion becomes the destination of an extraordinary underwater procession attended by diving enthusiasts from all over Italy. Other nativity scenes include the one set up in the ancient ‘cap e’ ciuccio’ fountain in Amalfi, and the one in Praiano, installed in a rocky part of the Grotta del Diavolo (located along the state road 163 Amalfitana).
Illuminations
During the Christmas period, the villages and towns of the Amalfi Coast become canvases on which, as night falls, true works of luminous art come to life. The entire coastline seen from the sea looks like the most traditional and evocative of nativity scenes, with its perched houses and countless little lights illuminating it. Luci d’Artista, the spectacular exhibition of artistic illuminations held between late November and January in the city of Salerno (located just over 30 kilometres from our boutique hotel), deserves special mention. Goblins, magic lanterns, dragons, flying carpets and giant Christmas trees are just some of the light installations that take adults and children into a fairy-tale world.
Concerts
Music is an important element of the festivities on the Amalfi Coast. Concerts and performances by gospel choirs are organised in all the villages and towns along the coast to brighten up the cold Christmas evenings. Not to be missed is the polyphonic choir review ‘Amalfi Sings Christmas‘, which takes place in the thousand-year-old Sant’Andrea Cathedral in Amalfi. Also in Praiano, during the festive period, a series of unmissable concerts are scheduled in its churches and at the chapel of the elegant former Congrega del Rosario.
Events
There are also numerous typical Christmas events. These include an ancient tradition, the shooting of the comet star, held on the night of 24 December in both Atrani and Amalfi. In some towns, on the other hand, folk groups parade through the streets of the town dressed in typical costumes (in some cases), singing popular songs accompanied by traditional instruments. Also in Amalfi on 6 January is the parade of shepherds following Mary, Joseph and the Three Kings on horseback. In this procession, figures representing the humblest jobs (bakers, fishmongers, etc.) parade up to groups of nobles in sumptuous clothes.
Desserts
On the Amalfi Coast, the most authentic traditions of Christmas can be found in the kitchen and especially in typical desserts. In addition to the classic panettone and pandoro, there are numerous Christmas sweets that will make your mouth water just by looking at them. These include susamielli (S-shaped biscuits made with flour, sugar, almonds and honey and flavoured with cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg), struffoli (small balls of dough that are fried, soaked in honey and decorated with coloured sugared almonds and candied fruit) and calzoncelli (small fried bundles of very thin dough made with flour, sugar, white wine, salt and eggs).
