No midnight masses, no meals in large groups: Corona characterizes the Christmas season in Italy. The fear of another wave is great, but so are the hope for better times.
By Elisabeth Pongratz, ARD Studio Rome
At the Trionfale market in the Roman district of Prati you can get everything for a good meal: vegetables, spices, fish, meat. Domingo stands behind a meat counter. He has already received many pre-orders. Italians like to eat meat on Christmas Day.
There is also a lot going on a few steps further. Maria knows her customers’ preferences for Christmas Eve: “The most popular dishes are baked sea bass, calamari and boiled octopus.” Only fish is served on Christmas Eve.
At first glance, a lot looks the same on the market – but that is deceptive. “Christmas will be calm this year,” says one man. Everything very sober. Without much pomp. “There are a lot of people who have difficulties,” says one woman.
Another says, “If it were up to my mood, considering what is happening, I would do absolutely nothing. There are so many sick people and so many dead people. And so many families suffering.”
The fear of a new wave is great
The corona pandemic hit Italy particularly early and particularly severely. People have been used to strict regulations for months. The number of new infections has decreased somewhat, but the fear of a third wave can be felt everywhere. Of course, this also has an effect on Christmas, which Italian women like to celebrate in large groups. But that is precisely what is not possible.
“It’s a strange Christmas,” says one man. “You’re locked in at home, waiting for something to change, for the crisis to pass.”
Communication over the internet
Wherever markets or events are no longer possible, the Internet is used to help. Traditionally in Italy the Christmas tree is put up on December 8th, in families, but also as an event in big cities, when it is lit up. Crowds usually come together and celebrate enthusiastically. This year there is streaming on the net. The popular lighting also works in Corona times. It flashes and glitters everywhere.
One of the world’s largest Christmas cribs has been rebuilt on the rocky hilltops on the Cinque Terre coast in Liguria. Thousands of small light bulbs trace the outlines of Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus and many other nativity figures.
New figures in the crib
Now there has been a novelty, says Fabrizio Andreotti from the crib association in Manarola: “There are two figures who represent the nursing staff. This year the nursery is dedicated to them and to all those who have contributed to us as possible in this difficult year get off well. “
Crib maker Marco Ferrigno in Naples has also adjusted to Corona. A customer ordered figures with masks. Normally people would push their way through his business; the Italians are particularly interested in the nativity scene. It’s hard these days. Fortunately, he gets a lot of orders online.
“We are conquering countries that were previously not interested in us. Even if it is much more complicated because people prefer to come, touch the characters, romp around in chaos and experience this specialty,” says Ferrigno.
Nativity scene exhibition in the open air
On St. Peter’s Square in Rome, clay figures from Abruzzo depict the Holy Birth, which was here 50 years ago. As every year, the 100 Nativity Scene exhibition can be seen, but this time in the open air because of the risk of infection.
Christmas concerts are not always canceled, even if no audience is allowed to attend. The traditional concert in the Senate, the Italian Chamber of Parliament, will be broadcast on Rai, Senate President Elisabetta Casellati renews a promise: “The promise that we will do it together. And the obligation not to leave anyone behind.”
Unusual holidays without an extended family
It will be an unusual holiday for children in particular. Usually the whole extended family comes together. But Santa Claus, Prime Minister Conte had assured a five-year-old on Facebook in November, was allowed to travel and even had a special permit. So Santa Claus can come on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and bring the presents.
Somehow it will work
On January 6th, “Befana” does her rounds, she now mainly has sweets with her. Up to this day, people in Italy are living under stricter corona rules, especially the possibility of visiting each other is severely limited. But somehow it will work, at least that’s what this woman thinks: “Now let’s wait for Christmas, that’s a step ahead. Merry Christmas. Everyone! And from the bottom of our hearts!
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