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Italian Seafood Recipes For The Feast Of The Seven Fishes

Italian seafood recipes for the Feast Of The Seven Fishes.

seafood recipes

But first of all what is the Feast Of The Seven Fishes?

Feast Of The Seven Fishes

It is in fact an “Italian” tradition that is identified as such only in America where everyone knows that to have a real Italian Christmas you cannot miss the Feast of the Seven Fishes.

It is a tradition that few Sicilians remember.

Should you find yourself talking to Italian-Americans or, in any case, to someone who left Sicily for the United States several years ago, you may find yourself hearing about this tradition.

The tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is to eat at least 7 fish dishes on the evening of December 24.

But why 7?

Eating only fish on Christmas Eve is interpreted in two ways: as a sacrifice, waiting for the birth of Jesus, or as a welcome, respect towards the unborn child.

The number seven, then, is very recurrent in the Bible and represents perfection.

The tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes has been kept alive thanks to those families who continue to celebrate and pass it down.

Think that, according to some Americans, it is the most important Italian Christmas celebration!

It would be born in the neighborhood of Little Italy, in New York, but there are no great certainties about the location of the origin.

The communities of Sicilians, in the peak period of emigration, were really many.

Looking for recipes to serve at your Seven Fish Party?

Here we’ve collected 15 delicious fish seafood recipes.

They’re all perfect for this traditional Italian-American feast, which is served on Christmas Eve.

15 Perfect Seafood Recipes For Christmas Dinner

See also:


15 Amazing Seafood Recipes

How do you celebrate Christmas Eve?

Let us know in the comments.


Happy holidays!

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Ellen REED

Saturday 18th of December 2021

You are wonderful. Thank you for providing these.

Ellen Reed [Tedesco and Raguso family]

The Bella Vita

Sunday 19th of December 2021

Thanks :)

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