Christmas Traditions in Tuscany

Tuscany is wonderful always but during the holiday season it becomes even more enchanting. Towns and villages are filled with illuminations, garlands, decorations and markets. Christmas, however, is not just that. It is also the time of year when time-honored customs and traditions are rediscovered. Among the countless initiatives scheduled in Tuscany during these festive days, we suggest four that are absolutely not to be missed.

The Night of the Torches in Abbadia San Salvatore

In the heart of the Amiata Mountains lies a small village, Abbadia San Salvatore, which transforms into the City of Torches every Christmas Eve. This is an ancient rite that seems to have its roots even before the year 1000, when pilgrims set out along the Via Francigena. On the evening of December 24, “torches,” huge pyramid-shaped stacks of wood up to seven meters high located mostly in the historic center but also in the rest of the town, are set on fire. Throughout the night the town is illuminated by firelight, around which people gather to drink and sing.

Gorfigliano’s Natalecci

Another fire-related ritual is held in Gorfigliano, a village in upper Garfagnana perched on the slopes of Mount Pisanino. On the evening of December 24 on the village’s most visible hills, “natalecci” are lit to the sound of the Ave Maria bell. What are they? Imposing cylindrical structures built by weaving juniper branches to a chestnut pole that can measure up to 4 meters wide and as much as 15 meters high. Important omens about the New Year are drawn from the duration of the bonfires. This evocative tradition is very old. Its origins may date as far back as 100 BC.

Christmas Eve Torchlight Procession on the Via Francigena.

Also on the evening of December 24 is the now traditional Christmas Eve Torchlight Walk on the Via Francigena, starting from Monteriggioni Castle and arriving at the small medieval village of Abbadia a Isola. The fascinating night walk is organized by the Municipality of Monteriggioni together with the Italian Alpine Club. The program includes: meeting at 9 p.m. at the thirteenth-century castle of Monteriggioni for the lighting of the torches; departure at 9:30 p.m.; and S. Mass in the stunning Abbey of Saints Salvatore and Cirino of Abbadia a Isola at 11 p.m. The route, about 4 kilometers long, winds through forest and field paths.

La Valle dei Presepi (The Valley of the Cribs)

The exhibition La Valle dei Presepi, which involves the municipalities of the Middle Serchio Valley, stems from the desire to highlight the centuries-old nativity tradition of this area. The mastery of local artisans and the production quality of the various representations are internationally recognized. An event therefore not to be missed for those who love the nativity tradition. The history of the master figurine makers comes to life in a wonderful itinerary that winds through Bagni di Lucca, Barga, Borgo a Mozzano, Coreglia Antelminelli and Pescaglia. A rich calendar of Christmas events enriches the review.

Cover photo © CittaDelleFiaccole.it | Photo gallery © Visit Tuscany | Valdelsa.net | La Valle dei Presepi