Christmas Eve in Abruzzo: Abundant Fish, But Who’s Counting?
Have you heard of the “Feast of the Seven Fishes“?
It’s a tradition beloved by many Italian-American families, but here’s the surprise: it didn’t originate in Italy!
The custom was born among Italian immigrants in the United States, who reinterpreted Christmas Eve traditions, adding plenty of creativity (and, of course, lots of fish). Many of us in Italy have never heard of it!
In Italy, especially in the South, Christmas Eve dinner has always been centered around fish, an observance tied to the Catholic tradition of fasting, which calls for abstinence from meat.
But counting the fish up to seven? That’s a lovely addition from across the ocean.
The number seven may refer to the sacraments or virtues, but in Abruzzo, we’re more focused on the quality of the dishes and the festive atmosphere than on the precise number!
A Feast Rich in Flavors
In Abruzzo, Christmas Eve dinner is a tribute to the sea, a true feast of flavors that brings the family together around the table.
Picture this: my mother Mamma Anna Maria conducting a culinary symphony in the kitchen all afternoon, with the rest of the family as her sous-chefs.
We don’t focus on the number of fish served but on the love we put into the preparation and the joy of being together.
The menu is a journey through tradition: various appetizers; pasta with clams or mussels; battered salt cod with cauliflower, roasted or tomato-sauced cod; crispy fried calamari; grilled fish; fresh, and fragrant seafood salads, and whatever else you want to add.
As the dishes are shown in the images.
The Tradition of the Heart
In Abruzzo, Christmas Eve dinner is a celebration rich in symbolism and culinary traditions.
In some areas, it’s customary to prepare even 13 dishes, symbolic of Christ and the twelve apostles.
This tradition varies from family to family, but the number of dishes represents abundance and devotion.
In the end, though, what matters is not the number but the sense of togetherness.
Every Abruzzese family has its own variations, but the essence remains the same: sharing extraordinary food and precious moments with loved ones.
Sweets to End on a Sweet Note
And that “Seven Fishes Feast Cake” some talk about?
Never heard of it!
Probably another invention from across the ocean.
For us, traditional sweets include caggionetti (calchoons) fried ravioli stuffed with almonds and honey or chickpeas and chocolate, and scrippelle served with sugar on top.
We also can’t forget parrozzo, an almond cake covered in melted chocolate.
The Magic of Christmas Eve
Whether it’s seve, thirteen dishes, or whatever, what truly matters is the spirit of Christmas Eve: gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, and celebrating the beauty of tradition.
If you’re curious about Christmas Eve dinner in Abruzzo, know that you’re always welcome to try a taste of our festive feast.
Here, there’s no need to count the dishes or the fish—just bring your appetite and a desire to discover authentic flavors!
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