The Seven Fishes Feast
from Italian Traditional Food

The Seven Fishes Feast Is A Cherished Meal

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If you have ever been curious about what the seven fishes feast may be, well you would not be alone. Basically when North America is celebrating Christmas Eve, Italy is spending the day celebrating the seven fishes feast.

This is a wonderful time for Italians, and you would be hard pressed to find an Italian that does not look forward to this event. While many Italians will be completely honest in their answer, many do not even know why the choice of seven fishes for this feast is a big deal.

Some felt that it was because it took God seven days to create the earth, while others are of the opinion that it represents the seven deadly sins. Whatever the reason, you can be sure that they only look to family and friends on this joyous event now.

Seven Is The Magic Number

While the seven fishes feast is a grand and gala event for Italians, it is important to note that they do not necessarily use only seven various fishes for this feast. Seven seems to be the base line and lowest number that can be used, but many Italians are more than willing to use more fish than merely seven.

Most often this meal will consist of a combination of fish and crustaceans, and the cooking methods of each dish will vary as well. Some fish will be used for salads, while others will be in casseroles and pasta plates.

Whatever way the fish is presented however, you can be sure that it will be meticulously prepared. There are quite a few of the smaller fish that are served as sides such as: smelts, sardines, and anchovies. These all can be added into a dish or a salad as well.

A Divine Offering

A meal such as the seven fishes feast or La Vigilia as its known in Italian, has a great deal of pride and attention to detail attached. This meal is usually started with an Antipasto, which is considered an Italian hors d´oeuvres, and then is followed by some absolutely fantastic dishes.

One of the most infamous of all dishes is some form of eel. While this is not a fish per say and is the only item that is not a fish on the table, each and every year it manages to find its way on to the Italian table. This is a dish that is adorned, and there are several ways to cook this dish to please everyone.

Closing Out A Wonderful Celebration

With all of the delightful dishes that are offered during the seven fishes feast, all good things must come to an end. A very popular way of closing out the grand evening is to side together and enjoy a great piece of Panettone, which is basically bread that is like sweet cake.

This combined with various other delectable little desserts, are shared with laughter and family appreciation. You will find Italians in Italy, and Italians in other various world locations all enjoying this meal and looking forward to the next year’s festivities.

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