Traditions 1
What is the name of Santa Claus in Italian
b) Babbo Natale
How do you say Christmas in Italian
Natale
What is the name of the sweet soft cake prepared and enjoyed during Christmas and New Year festivities in Italy?
a) Cannoli b) Panna cotta c) Tiramisu d) Panettone
d) Panettone
Who is the kind witch who tried to follow the Three Kings to Bethlehem, but couldn’t find him, so each year gives sweets to children on the Eve of Epiphany?
a) Befana b) Esmerelda c) Maria d) Benigna
a) Befana
When do Italians eat fish?
a) on Christmas day b) New year's eve
c) On Dec. 8th (Immacolate conception)
d) on Christmas Eve
d) on Christmas Eve
Many Italian families like to play a game similar to Bingo on Christmas Eve. What is it called?
a) Tombola b) Scopa c) Basset d) Bruno
a) Tombola
At Christmas time nativity scenes are displayed in many churches and piazzas. Crafting these ornate works of art by hand remains an artisanal tradition in many parts of the country. In some towns and farms real people wear costumes to create the scene, including village crafts. What is the Italian name given to a Living Nativity Scene?
a) Gruppo di persone b) Presepe Vivente c) Scena del letto d) stalla dell’asino
b) Presepe Vivente
The official end of the Christmas season isn’t until the Day of the Epiphany. On this day you may also see a procession of the Three Kings (Magi). What date is that?
a) 27th December b) 1st January c) 6th January d) 10th February
c) 6th January
Musicians come down from the mountains at Christmas time to play traditional folk tunes in the towns, typically wearing bright red jackets and broad-brimmed hats with red tassels. What is the name of the bagpipe looking instrument that they play?
a) Pecora b) Chitarra c) Ciaramella d) Zampogna
d) Zampogna
After the family dinner on Christmas Eve, many Italians head to midnight Mass at their local church. In one area thrill-seekers ski down the slopes at midnight carrying torches to welcome Christmas. Where does this take place?
a) Cortina d’Ampezzo b) Mount Etna c) Pescara d) Cinque Terre
a) Cortina d’Ampezzo