A Very Italian Christmas with Laura Benitti
Regular price $36.50 Save $-36.50
Italy may be a small country, yet it is one filled with many Christmas traditions. From typical foods to religious rituals to family traditions, Christmastime tends to be celebrated over several weeks from early December until the day of Epiphany, on the sixth of January. In this seminar, we will learn about the historical origins of Christmas in Italy and discuss the varying traditions across regions.
Why do some Italians celebrate Santa Claus or Babbo Natale while others revere Santa Lucia, a saint celebrated on December 13? Who is La Befana and why do so many expect gifts from him on January 6? We’ll answer some of these questions as we learn how, for Italians, Christmas festivities focus on the family, with locals heading back to their hometowns to rejoice in festive familial spirit. We’ll discuss dinner on La Vigilia (Christmas Eve), we’ll learn about Italian Midnight Mass, and we’ll have a peek at some typical Nativity scenes. We may even unravel some mysteries like how Saint Nicholas came to Italy from the Greek Christmas tradition!Feeling festive and want to understand what Christmas looks like in the diverse regions of Italy? Learn along with Northern Italian born art historian Laura Benitti, as we explain all the fun facts, and peculiarities, behind an Italian Christmas.
Laura was born in Turin, where she studied history of art, but moved to Milan in 2002. Since her graduation, she has accumulated a long experience as an art consultant and registrar in a few museums in Turin, as well as expertise as a local Milan guide. She loves to be both an experienced and friendly local ambassador of Milan and Como area for her travelers.
This conversation is suitable for all ages
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
Good look at Italian Christmas.
It could, however, have been much better.
Presentation was not as organized as well as most Conversations that I have enjoyed. Struggles with PowerPoint and technology in general detracted from presentation. With these and too much content, presentation took entire time and did not leave room for questions. Host did hard cutoff. I have been in other Conversations where host was much more flexible, allowing extra time to get everyone's questions addressed. Host should have done so in this instance.
Laura Benitti's heavy accent and tendency to talk too fast often made her remarks difficult to understand.