Italian Christmas: sweet traditions

The unmistakable aroma of freshly baked sweets fills the air, announcing the arrival of Christmas in Italy. It’s a time when families come together and share culinary traditions passed down from generation to generation.

We previously talked about pandoro and mandorlato, and today we want to discuss other regional traditions.

The panettone and its legends

The panettone, originating from Northern Italy, is a soft delight with scents of citrus and candied fruit, which after years of industrial production is now rediscovered crafted by taste artisans.
Its history is rooted in the 15th century in Milan.

It is said that the young Ulivo degli Atellani created this delicacy to win the love of his beloved, the daughter of a baker. A legend has it that the chef, in charge of the Christmas banquet of Ludovico il Moro, forgot the dessert in the oven, burning it. In the midst of despair, a kitchen boy suggested using what remained in the pantry, giving rise to the panettone.

The pandoro, the sweet of the stars

The pandoro, on the other hand, is a Veronese specialty, a symbol of the festivities. Its star shape and the dusting of icing sugar recall the magic of Christmas starry nights. In 1884, Domenico Melegatti, founder of the Veronese confectionery industry, introduced the pandoro.

Its original recipe, which modified that of a traditional sweet, the levà, was so successful that no imitator could replicate it.

Today, the pandoro is one of the most popular Italian Christmas sweets (here you can find more about the history of pandoro and panettone) and can be enjoyed in various versions, such as with pastry cream filling or covered in chocolate.

The regional delights of central Italy

In Tuscany, the panforte is the undisputed protagonist: a rich and full-bodied sweet, enriched with spices, nuts, and dried fruit, with a history that dates back to the year 1000.

In Lazio, however, pangiallo, with its almonds and candied fruit, is a true golden gem that cannot be missing from Christmas tables.

This delight has its origins in the imperial era and was traditionally spread during the celebration of the winter solstice, symbolizing the return of the sun.

The specialties of southern Italy

Southern Italy is famous for its unique Christmas culinary traditions.

In Campania, the rococò shines with its irresistible combination of almonds, honey, and orange zest, but it is not the only festive sweet: zeppole and mostaccioli also play a central role in Christmas celebrations.

In Salento, on the other hand, the cartellate, covered in honey and vincotto, are the typical sweets of the festivities.

Their shape, in the Christian tradition, represents the halo or the swaddling cloth with which Baby Jesus was wrapped.