Experience one of Rome’s most unique winter traditions, as pets and farm animals are blessed during the Feast of St. Anthony the Abbot on January 17.

One special winter morning, Rome wakes up to one of the most unexpected scenes. 

Dogs wrapped in coats, cats in carriers, and farm animals gather near historic churches to receive a blessing during the Feast of St. Anthony the Abbot on January 17, known locally as La Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate.

After the crowds and celebrations of Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the Epifania, this tradition feels like a quiet encore to the holiday season, bringing warmth and color to the calmer days of January. 

Relaxed, family-friendly, and wonderfully photogenic, the Feast of St. Anthony the Abbot in Rome is more than a religious celebration—it’s a moment when rural customs and urban life come together, offering travelers a rare glimpse of Rome beyond its most famous landmarks!

Discover the Carmentalia, an ancient Roman festival held in January in honor of the goddess of prophecy and childbirth.

Carmentalia: an ancient Roman festival of birth, prophecy and new beginnings

When we think of ancient Roman festivals, the Saturnalia often come to mind: cheerful celebrations happening in December, with banquets, role reversals and a joyful suspension of everyday rules. But the Roman calendar of festivals was filled with other events dedicated to very specific aspects of life.

Among them were the Carmentalia, held in January in honor of Carmenta, a goddess deeply connected to women and motherhood.

Discover La Befana, Italy’s Epiphany tradition: folklore, stockings filled with sweets, festive markets and how January 6 is celebrated across Italy and in Rome.

La Befana in Italy: Epiphany traditions, folklore and festivities

If you happen to be in Italy in early January, you’ll notice that one image keeps popping up everywhere: colorful socks filled with sweets. You’ll see them in shop windows, hanging from balconies, decorating streets and cafés. Those stockings belong to La Befana, one of the most recognizable Christmas traditions in Italy, especially loved by children and families. It is celebrated on Epiphany Day, January 6, which also marks the end of the Christmas holidays.

Discover the Tuffo nel Tevere, Rome’s New Year’s Day tradition where daring locals dive into the Tiber to welcome the new year with a playful spirit.

New Year’s Day in Rome and the Plunge into the Tiber

Pretty much everywhere, the new year starts with quiet streets and late breakfasts. That’s not the case in Rome, where an 80-year-old tradition breaks the calm every 1 January: the Tuffo nel Tevere, the plunge into the Tiber River.

At midday, a small group of intrepid divers gathers onPonte Cavour and, one by one, dives into the icy waters below. It’s a brief moment, but it draws a cheerful crowd every year and marks the start of the year for many Romans.

Panettone or Pandoro? Discover the story, traditions and rivalry behind Italy’s two iconic Christmas cakes, and find out which one Italians love most.

Panettone or Pandoro? Italy’s Christmas dessert debate

Panettone or pandoro? It’s one of the questions you’re most likely to be asked if you happen to be in Italy around Christmas. Few things divide Italians into opposing camps quite like this. It’s a bit like choosing between still or sparkling water, flat wine or bubbles, milk chocolate or dark chocolate, Inter or Juventus.

Learn how Christmas Eve dinner is celebrated in Italy, from La Vigilia traditions and regional food to practical tips for travelers visiting on December 24.

Christmas Eve Dinner in Italy: food, family and tradition

In Italy, Christmas starts the evening before December 25, with Christmas Eve dinner, known as La Vigilia: a long, unhurried meal that brings families together around the table across the entire country, as they wait for Christmas to officially begin.