5 Christmas Eve Dinners From Around The World

Christmas Eve dinners can vary widely depending on cultural and regional traditions. Here are a few examples of traditional Christmas Eve dinners from different parts of the world:

1. Italy: Feast of the Seven Fishes (La Vigilia):
   • The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American tradition that involves a festive seafood dinner on Christmas Eve. The number seven is symbolic and represents the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Dishes may include various types of fish, shrimp, clams, and other seafood delicacies.
2. Sweden: Christmas Smorgasbord:
   • In Sweden, a traditional Christmas Eve dinner might include a smorgasbord with a variety of cold and hot dishes. Common items include pickled herring, cured salmon, sausages, meatballs, and traditional Christmas ham. Additionally, festive desserts like rice pudding and gingerbread cookies are often served.
3. Poland: Wigilia:
   • In Poland, Christmas Eve dinner is known as Wigilia and typically consists of 12 meatless dishes, representing the twelve apostles. Dishes may include pierogi (dumplings), borscht (beet soup), mushroom soup, fish, and a variety of vegetable and fruit-based dishes.
4. Spain: Nochebuena:
   • In Spain, Christmas Eve dinner, or Nochebuena, often features a variety of seafood, meats, and festive desserts. Dishes like bacalao (salted cod), seafood paella, and roasted meats are common. Traditional sweets like turron (nougat) and polvorones (shortbread cookies) are also enjoyed.
5. Philippines: Noche Buena:
   • In the Philippines, Noche Buena is a grand family feast held on Christmas Eve. It includes a wide array of dishes such as lechon (roast pig), ham, queso de bola (Edam cheese), bibingka (rice cake), and various desserts. Families gather for a midnight feast after attending the Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass).

Remember that Christmas Eve traditions can vary greatly, even within the same country or region, and families often incorporate their own customs and favorite dishes into the celebration. —Vita Daily