Close

Let me guess: You are Italian and you have never heard of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Am I right? Well, this does not surprise me, because this ancient tradition recurring on the 24th of December, is an Italian-American celebration of Christmas Eve, confined to the States.   While Italian families usually eat only seafood dishes on Christ...

2647

Never heard of the Feast of the Seven Fishes? You may soon. It's a Southern Italian meatless Christmas Eve meal, celebrated in many Italian-American homes, especially on parts of the East Coast.   "La Vigilia" is relatively unknown in south Louisiana, where Sicilian descendents have kept alive the St. Joseph's Day tradition. The feast has so...

1117

The Italian-American tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve stems from Catholic abstention of meat, but there's nothing limiting about the Feast of the Seven Fishes. The meal, typically a multi-course affair offering an ocean's worth of seafood, is a delicious holiday tradition regardless of religion or dietary principles.   Many Washi...

774

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...

785

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...

822

Even as a child I remember being more excited about Christmas Eve than Christmas day and my birthday combined – which is saying a lot for a kid. My family has been doing the Feast of the Seven Fishes for as long as I can remember, well really as long as my grandmother and great-grandmother could remember. And all these years later, I am still in aw...

1402

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...

825

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. ...

1130

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...

581

By Merle Exit   The Feast of the Seven Fishes (festa dei sette pesci), celebrated on Christmas Eve and also known as The Vigil (La Vigilia), is believed to have originated in southern Italy.   The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstinence which, in this case, meant refraini...

1059