The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian American tradition celebrated on Christmas Eve, December 24. Families gather for a long, festive dinner featuring several seafood dishes, often seven, such as fried smelts, baccalà (salt cod), calamari, clams, shrimp and pasta with seafood. The custom grew from Southern Italian Christmas Eve traditions and has become one of the most beloved holiday meals for Italian American families.
History of Feast of the Seven Fishes
In Southern Italy, Christmas Eve is known as La Vigilia, the vigil before Christmas. Catholic tradition once called for abstaining from meat on the days before major feasts, so families ate fish and seafood instead. Coastal regions such as Campania, Calabria and Sicily had plenty of fresh and preserved fish, and salt cod, or baccalà, was a staple.
Italian immigrants brought these customs to the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In cities such as New York, Philadelphia and Boston, the Christmas Eve seafood dinner became a cherished way to keep traditions alive. The name 'Feast of the Seven Fishes' appears to be largely an Italian American creation; in Italy, the meal is usually simply called La Vigilia, and the number of dishes varies.
Why seven? Explanations include the seven sacraments, the seven days of creation and the seven hills of Rome, but no single answer is certain. Some families serve nine, 11 or 13 dishes instead.
Why Feast of the Seven Fishes Matters
The Feast of the Seven Fishes connects Italian American families to their heritage and to the traditions of their grandparents and great-grandparents.
It turns Christmas Eve into a long, joyful meal that brings relatives together in the kitchen and at the table.
The tradition also celebrates seafood and regional Italian cooking, and many families pass down recipes for fried calamari, clams and baccalà from generation to generation.
How to Celebrate Feast of the Seven Fishes
- Plan a menu: choose seven seafood dishes, from appetizers to pasta.
- Make baccalà: soak salt cod for a day or two before cooking.
- Fry smelts or calamari: serve with lemon wedges.
- Cook linguine with clams: a classic main course.
- Share family recipes: write down dishes passed down by elders.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, an Italian seafood lunch or shared recipe swap can celebrate the tradition. In classrooms, students can learn about Italian immigration, explore why many cultures eat special foods on holidays, or map regions of Italy known for seafood. At home, families can cook the feast together, assign each person a dish, or start with just two or three seafood recipes. Cook seafood thoroughly and check for shellfish allergies.
Fun Facts About Feast of the Seven Fishes
- In Italy, the Christmas Eve dinner is called La Vigilia.
- The 'Seven Fishes' name is largely Italian American.
- Baccalà (salt cod) is a traditional dish.
Feast of the Seven Fishes FAQs
When is the Feast of the Seven Fishes?
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is celebrated on Christmas Eve, December 24.
Why is it called the Feast of the Seven Fishes?
It traditionally features seven seafood dishes; the name is largely an Italian American creation.
Why do Italians eat fish on Christmas Eve?
Catholic tradition once called for abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve.
What does seven represent?
Theories include the seven sacraments and the seven days of creation; no single answer is certain.
What dishes are served?
Common dishes include baccalà, fried smelts, calamari, clams, shrimp and seafood pasta.
Is the Feast of the Seven Fishes celebrated in Italy?
Italians celebrate La Vigilia with seafood, but the 'seven fishes' name is mostly used in the U.S.