Feast of Seven Fishes: What goes into this Christmas tradition?

For many Italians, The Feast of Seven Fishes is a Christmas tradition. What is this? Let’s find out!

The Feast of Seven Fishes can be traced back to many many years ago. This traditional meal dates back to Biblical times, and has a lot of significance to different people: some people say seven fishes for the seven days in a week, while others may refer to the seven fish feast as representing the seven different sacraments within the Catholic religion. However you refer to it, it still means the same thing to those who celebrate it.

There may be some things about The Feast of Seven Fishes that you may not know about, especially if you’re not overly familiar with it in the first place. In the coming piece, you’ll find some surprising facts, as well as some delicious ones, about this traditional Christmas meal (for some).

What goes into this Christmas feast? What things do you eat in the Feast of Seven Fishes?

This meal is traditional to serve on Christmas Eve, especially in Italian households and other European households as well. Personally, in my very Italian family, we haven’t done this for years, but there are still plenty of things worth mentioning. Here are some facts about The Feast of Seven Fishes that may inspire you this Christmas Eve!

1. The origins of this traditional Christmas Eve meal

It is believed that The Feast of Seven Fishes originated in Southern Italy at a time when the population of the area turned to affordable seafood based on the availability of each given product.

2. The fish options aren’t limited; you have choices

The things you eat during this feast don’t have to be limited to straight up fish. Mix it in with some creamy pasta, grill or fry it up. Whatever you do, make it delicious! Here are some delicious options to choose from, should you continue or start this fish dinner tradition this Christmas Eve!

• New England Clam Chowder (yes, this counts, can you believe it, I’m so in!)
• Fried Fish Filets (also works in the air fryer as well)
• Fish Tacos (for those who like to mask the taste of fish just a bit)
• Seafood Lasagna (um…. yes please)
• Seafood Spaghetti (works well with shrimp and scallops, like a dish at Olive Garden)
• Crab & Artichoke Dip (for those who like a good seafood dip/appetizer option)
• Crab Cakes (always a good, crispy option)
• Crab Rangoons (for those who only like crab this way, and we totally get that)

While I personally haven’t done this feast in my own family, I know people who do, and another thing that’s always a staple is some sort of whole seared fish, like a Branzino that is traditionally cooked with lemon in foil and thrown on the grill or in the oven (lots of restaurants serve this too).

Do you partake in this Christmas traditional meal in your house? What does your family traditionally do for Christmas Eve meals in your house? Be sure to drop us some comments down below, so we can get to know all about you and your families.