St. Stephen's Day

In Italy, St. Stephen's Day (Santo Stefano) falls on December 26th, 2025, extending the Christmas festivities for an additional day. This public holiday honors St. Stephen, Christianity's first martyr, who was stoned to death around 34 CE for preaching about Jesus and criticizing the Jewish authorities of his time.

The celebration of St. Stephen's Day became widespread in the Christian world during the Middle Ages, though its observance varies significantly across different countries. In Italy, it has evolved into a more relaxed continuation of Christmas, where families traditionally use this day to visit extended relatives they couldn't see on Christmas Day, or to enjoy leisurely activities together.

Unlike the formal Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch, St. Stephen's Day meals are typically more casual, often featuring leftover dishes from Christmas celebrations. Many Italians use this day to visit local nativity scenes (presepi), particularly in Naples, where elaborate displays remain a cherished tradition. Some communities organize living nativity scenes, where locals dress in period costumes and recreate biblical scenes.

In modern Italian society, Santo Stefano represents a welcome break between Christmas and the return to regular routines. Many Italians take advantage of this day to explore Christmas markets, which remain open, or to attend special concerts and events organized in churches and public spaces. Cities like Rome and Florence often host special museum exhibitions and cultural events during this period.

While Italy celebrates St. Stephen's Day as a national holiday, its observance differs from other European countries. In Ireland, for instance, the day is known as "Wren Day" with unique traditional celebrations, while in German-speaking regions, it's called "Boxing Day" and has different customs. The Italian celebration maintains its distinct character, focusing on family gatherings and cultural activities rather than specific religious rituals.

An interesting tradition that has emerged in recent years is the "St. Stephen's Walk" in several Italian cities, where people participate in organized walking tours exploring historical sites related to early Christianity and local heritage, combining cultural education with holiday celebration.