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by Jim Dwyer Dressed in overalls and jackets, wearing work boots and hats, the men lined up five dozen strong on Christmas Eve 1931 for that week's pay at a Midtown Manhattan construction site. Behind them stood a fine Christmas tree.   It had been mounted by the men and draped with the traditional cranberry strings and garlands. ...

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Musical retelling of the folk tale of La Befana, featuring Mariuccia Romano of the Coro d'Italia, Italian Singing and Dancing Ensemble. La Befana is an Italian Christmas tradition that has its origins in the 13th century legend of La Befana. Befana is a benevolent old woman who delivers gifts to children on January 5th, the eve of the Epiphany. Sin...

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By Rosa Mariotti   The holiday season is here. With that, fond memories of the many great times spent in Italy with my family. Decorating the tree: year after year, using the same ornaments and the same short, beaten-up artificial tree from which we couldn't depart such we loved him so much. During my childhood, dad would also decorate a hu...

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By Michelle Durham   It's a Christmas Eve tradition for thousands in the Delaware Valley, especially those of Italian descent, the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Why seven? What is the meaning behind this treasured tradition? Vice President of Anastasi Seafood, Janet Anastasi-Stechman explains why seven fishes are prepared the night before...

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The Marion County community invited people to share its Italian heritage at the 9th annual Feast of the Seven Fishes festival.   The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a centuries-old custom observed primarily by southern Italians, consisting of a seafood meal served on Christmas Eve. Local restaurants showcased their heritage ties, with cultural...

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by Pamela Stevens   December is a month of celebrations including the traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner. It is also known as Festa dei Sette Pesci, or the Feast of the Seven Fishes. It's a meal without meat honoring the midnight birth of baby Jesus; a custom that originated in Sicily and has since spread throughout Italy and arou...

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Going broke isn't a typical goal for anyone during the holidays. But every year, the Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organizationaims to do just that. "The more who join our group, the more who give. And that's more we can give away. By the end of the year, we are penniless," says CIACO board of directors member Joe Salerno, who o...

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During this time of year there is a dichotomy of emotions that most everyone over 40 (and maybe it applies to anyone who has lost family) experiences, as turkeys are dressed and doors are donned with wreaths.   On one hand, there is a joy and excitement that the season brings with it: festive parties, twinkling lights, glorious music, dreams...

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by Marguerite Preston   Here's a guide to eight great restaurants that are serving that traditional Italian-American Christmas Eve dinner, the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Many have taken the literal route, and are serving seven course meals of octopus, salt cod, clams, and more, but there are also few more condensed meals on the list. ...

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We are lucky. As Italians, we've surely had our chance to be spoiled when it comes to food. Lucky and cursed at the same time, since our standards are so high!   This is particularly true as the holidays approach. We often find ourselves fighting at the stove to recreate that particular dish, hunting for a rare ingredient, digging into mom's...

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