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UPDATED DEC 19, 2024


The Feast of the Seven Fishes

An Italian Christmas Eve Tradition

The Feast of the Seven Fishes, or “Festa dei Sette Pesci”, is a Christmas Eve tradition in many Italian households. Most popular in Southern Italy and in Italian-American homes, this Christmas Eve feast stems from Catholics abstaining from meat in commemoration of waiting for the birth of baby Jesus. There is a lot of symbolism in fish to early Christians, who used a fish to identify themselves in times of persecution.

The Symbolism Behind the Seven Fishes

The significance of the seven fishes has a number of symbolic representations: the number of sacraments, the seven days of creation, the seven virtues, the seven deadly sins and the seven days it took Mary and Joseph to reach Bethlehem before baby Jesus was born. Some families celebrate with less or more courses, three courses to represent the three Wise Men or 13 courses to represent the apostles and Jesus. Although the number of courses vary by household, all Italians will agree it must be an odd number because odd numbers bring luck in the Christian faith.

  • The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church
  • The seven days of creation
  • The seven virtues or seven deadly sins
  • The seven days Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus
Christmas dinner table
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How to Celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes

Whether you're continuing a family custom or starting a new one, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is all about bringing loved ones together over a delicious meal. There are no strict rules—what matters most is the spirit of celebration. Listed below are some of our favorite fish dishes.

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Sweet Endings

No Italian celebration is complete without dessert. End your Feast of the Seven Fishes with classic Italian treats like panettone, cannoli, or torrone. For those wanting to try their hand at baking, we've got you covered with recipes for these traditional favorites and more. Explore delicious options that are sure to make your Christmas Eve unforgettable.

Pizzelle Ice Cream Sandwich

Tips for Hosting a Memorable Feast

  • Plan Ahead: Create a menu, shop for fresh seafood, and prep as much as possible the day before.
  • Set the Mood: Use holiday decorations, candles, and Italian music to create a festive atmosphere.
  • Get Everyone Involved: Assign dishes to family members or make the cooking part of the celebration.
  • Share the Stories: Use the occasion to discuss the history and meaning behind the Feast of the Seven Fishes with your guests.