If you are planning to spend your Christmas in Europe, then you should consider visiting San Marino. The Christmas culture, cuisines, traditions, and welcoming yet vibrant people will make your Christmas experience memorable.
There is a project called the Christmas of Wonders that is carried out in the capital, therefore, you are going to find people buzzing during this period. The project usually involves the decoration of the streets with candles and knitted decorations such as lighting, and lanterns.
The old buildings in the town center are transformed into some of the iconic places that you can visit. The projections and light effects usually cause the historic buildings around the city to gain some of the most unique features that you can only find in San Marino. There are also theatrical and musical presentations around the old city during this period as well.
Table of Contents
Christmas culture and traditions in San Marino
The Christmas atmosphere in the country is very exceptional during the Christmas period. The local people value the Christmas period, and they want to showcase their experiences by performing in the streets. The dishes prepared during this time are exceptional as well.
There are numerous fun activities throughout the Christmas period. If you want entertainment, you can visit the ice-skating ring or the mini bob slide that is usually set up during this period.
Here are some of the most common Christmas cultures and traditions in San Marino.
Immaculate Conception Day
The people in San Marino are known to celebrate the Immaculate Conception and this usually occurs on December 8th. During this period, you are going to interact with the people as the Christmas vibe kicks in and the period is called the season of Natale.
They do not only celebrate the holiday but are known to maintain the culture and tradition in the region dating back centuries. This day is part of the Christmas tradition.
St. Nicholas Day
This is usually celebrated on December 6th, and it is a time when Santa Claus will visit the children here. St. Nicholas is known to be a gift giver therefore you will find that the children are more excited during this period. During St. Nicholas Day you will find kids cleaning their rooms and their shoes as they wait for St. Nicholas to come.
It is a common tradition to clean shoes and keep them on the window. They usually believe that St. Nicholas will then put presents on the shoes or in the socks. During this day and on Immaculate Conception Day you will find people often decorating their houses with nativity scenes.
Presepe or nativity scenes
These are some of the most common scenes during Christmas in San Marino. Presepe has dominated all kinds of Christmas decorations in Italy and during this period you are going to see them across San Marino. The decorations are usually set up in homesteads around town squares and even in churches.
There are living nativity scenes that you can find here. The nativity scenes are usually put up in place by an organized group of volunteers and when you visit San Marino you will see the Christmas spirit in full gear.
The culture of putting up nativity scenes is common in the country and dates back to the 1290s and you can see them in museums around the country.
Christmas tree in San Marino
This is a common feature in the Christmas traditions of the people of San Marino. During your visit to the country, you are going to have an exceptional period because you will see some of the iconic Christmas trees that you can only find here. They usually come in all kinds and shapes.
The first Christmas tree that was set up in place in San Marino dates back to the early 17th century and over the year people have embraced the concept and they continue to put up the Christmas tree in churches, public squares, and Christmas markets.
Yule log
The yule log usually plays an important role in the households of the people of San Marino, and it is kept burning throughout the Christmas period until the new year. During the Christmas period, the male members of the household will go to the forest and find the best log that they can use to keep themselves warm throughout the period.
Once you have been in the region you will see some of the unique traditions that the people in San Marino still keep alive to date.
No meat on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve in San Marino is filled with a wide array of cultures and traditions. The most common feature during this period is that the people will not eat meat. Since a majority of people usually fast before Christmas it is common for them to have Christmas Eve as the last day of fasting.
Further reading: Christmas in Italy
According to their advent calendar, this is a day of consuming light dishes before going to church for midnight mass. The most common dish that you are going to find here is fish, soups, and other light meals. Dairy and meat are not consumed on Christmas Eve.
You can find people eating shrimp and broccoli that are sautéed together and some people also consume the traditional dishes made of artichoke hearts, broccoli, and zucchini.
Ceppo
This is more of a tradition that is mostly common in Italy and since San Marino is an enclave you are going to find it in the country. Ceppo is mostly displayed in the homes of the people.
It is usually made from wood constructed in the shape of a pyramid and can be several feet high. In some places, you are going to find that it has several shapes, and the bottom shelf is used for holding miniature nativity scenes. The other shelves are used for displaying all kinds of gifts such as fruits and candies.
Midnight mass in San Marino
This is a very important tradition in San Marino, and you are going to find that the people in the country embrace this culture wholeheartedly. On Christmas Eve, the midnight mass is usually done by the Pope and if you are visiting San Marino then you will find that many people tune in to the service or go to the local parishes for a service.
The midnight mass usually lasts for a few hours after dinner. Many people often go to their local churches to pray and wish each other a merry Christmas.
Urn of fate
This is another unique tradition that you are going to find across San Marino. People usually exchange gifts during the Christmas period. It is part of the unique Christmas traditions here.
There is a wide array of gifts that are wrapped well, and they are then placed inside a bowl. During Christmas day the people will then open the Christmas presents. The bowl is commonly called the urn of fate and you should take your time to explore the different features that it has to offer.
Christmas day in San Marino
In many households around San Marino, you are going to find a wide array of traditions being done in the area. The decorations that line up the streets are unique based on the region that you are visiting. The aroma of fireplaces, chestnuts, and mulled wine are all that make up an amazing Christmas day in San Marino.
Many people around the country will gather around the Christmas table and they will then serve the various amazing dishes. The festivities will begin by drinking spumante and a slice of pandoro or panettone. It is a perfect time for them to see the gifts that they have been given as well playing board games.
Christmas food and drinks in San Marino
The Christmas period in San Marino brings a wide array of cultures into the highlight. The panettone is a common dish that is commonly served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It is a dome-shaped bread that has sugary dough stuffed in it with raisins and candied fruits.
Pandoro is another bread eaten during the Christmas period, and it is often called golden bread. The eggs that are used in the making of this bread are what cause the golden hue, and it is garnished with sugar to look like a mountain. In other places around the country, you can find all kinds of fillings such as chocolate and custard.
Different regions around the country have their unique dishes and you must take your time to explore some of the unique dishes that you will find in the region. The purpose of a holiday in the region is to bring the family together and indulge in various dishes such as liver pate, cotechino sausage, roast lamb, and tortellini in chicken broth.
The day of Epiphany
The day of Epiphany is often celebrated on January 6th and during this day you will see people making dishes that are similar to those made during the Christmas period. It is a time to mark the end of the Christmas period and the people will get back to work while kids go back to school.
