Recipes and photography by Mario Matassa unless otherwise stated
Mario Matassa reveals the secrets of the Italian festive period. Though Christmas Day provides the climax of the occasion, the Christmas Eve feast provides the perfect opportunity to warm up for the big event.
Festive holidays are always special occasions in Italy, and none more so than Christmas. In a country where festivity and food are synonymous, the Italian Christmas is a twoday marathon with long-lasting meals of abundant and sumptuous proportions. Tradition is central, with dishes that are highly symbolic in terms of both religion and place.