In Italian the word “grande” means large. And when it comes to celebrating the season in Italy, the word aptly describes the way the birth of Christ is expressed. The celebrations are large. They’re dramatic and they’re also unique. Certainly, up and down and all-around Italy you will find incredibly big or “grande” and wonderful events. To give you an authentic taste of Christmas Italian style, we’ll take you to the center of the country, to the region of Umbria, known as the Cuore Verde or the Green Heart of Italy. Here we find everything from giant or grande trees on the side of mountain, trees floating magically on a lake, and a bonfire to beat all bonfires high above the Umbrian countryside, and all of this to remind us of the real reason for the season, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
A Tale of Two Trees
It would be incredible to have even one giant outdoor Christmas tree in a particular area to mark the holiday, but Umbria boasts two trees that light up the skies at Christmas time. One of them sits on the side of a mountain and can be seen from miles away. The other floats, believe it or not, on top of a beautiful lake reflecting gorgeous light onto the surface of the water.
The Gubbio Christmas Tree
The Gubbio Christmas tree, located in the northern part of the Umbrian region, is perched along the slopes of Mt. Ingino, high above the medieval town made famous by the story of St. Francis and the wolf of Gubbio. Being that Francis loved to celebrate the birth of our Savior, so much so that he gave the world the first nativity, he would be proud that this town, since 1981, can boast of having the largest Christmas tree in the world. The star sits at the top of the mountain near the Basilica of St. Ubaldo, named after the patron of the village. At its base the tree is 1500 feet wide. It has a height of nearly 2500 feet. It consists of some 700 lights. Given its size, it’s no wonder the Gubbio tree made it into the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Lights on Lake Trasimeno
“Luci sui Trasimeno” or “The Lights on Lake Trasimeno” is a Christmas festival along this beautiful lake that sits on the border of Tuscany and Umbria. The heart of the event is centered on the lovely lakeside town of Castigleone del Lago. And while Gubbio boasts the world’s largest Christmas tree on land, Trasimeno can take credit for the largest Christmas tree on the water. Not only is it amazing to behold, but the Trasimeno tree is also an engineering marvel. In addition to being over 35 hundred feet long. It is made up of nearly 23 thousand feet of cables. It is supported by no less than 166 poles. The tree is designed to reflect on the water and is outlined on the lake by some 2400 red and white lights.
A Light to Welcome the Light of the World and Mary’s Fiat
If you’re someone who is tired of the way the secular world treats Christmas as one long shopping spree that begins in the middle of summer and ends on Christmas day, then you will appreciate Christmas in Italy. Italy does not rush the season. Nothing begins until early December, on the eve of the Immaculate Conception, December 7th. One way to know for sure that Christmas is coming is the bonfire above Assisi, in central Umbria. Although the trees in Gubbio and Trasimeno light the world through the Feast of the Epiphany, yes two weeks after Christmas, the bonfire lasts one big beautiful early December night. But similar to the Umbrian trees, the bonfire can be seen for miles around.
The Focaraccio, as it’s named by Italians, which refers to a big fire, takes place on Mt. Subasio just below the famous fortress Rocca Maggiore. The gathering is sponsored by local associations that provide free mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and plenty of festive fellowship. Put on your walking shoes, as getting to the site is a bit of a hike. You can take a taxi if you like but stepping out on foot means you get the advantage of walking through the ancient streets of Assisi to take in the stunning decorations, not to mention enjoy the many lanterns that light the way to the castle. Locals gather a heap of wood and other material ten to 15 feet high. As you can see from the video and photos here, the result is a fire so large or grande that it seems to reach the sky, perhaps even the angels. Very fitting since the flames are lit to honor the angel Gabriel’s visit to the Virgin Mary’s house in Nazareth.
God Deserves a Grande Welcome
I hope these examples of Christmas in Italy inspire you to reflect on the meaning behind them. The birth of Christ is and always will be big, breaking news. So, let’s all go share the Good News with Italian flare, or in a very grande way. Buon Natale.
