The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a beloved Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition rooted in Catholic heritage and a celebration of seafood. This festive meal brings families together to enjoy a variety of fish and seafood dishes, honoring both religious customs and the bounty of the sea. While the tradition is primarily observed in Italian-American communities today, it is inspired by centuries-old Italian practices of abstaining from meat and indulging in fish during the holidays.
In this article, FamilyCookbookProject.com explores the origins of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, what types of fish and seafood are commonly served, and some popular recipes you can try at home to celebrate this rich cultural tradition.
The Origins of the Feast of the Seven Fishes
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is celebrated on La Vigilia (Christmas Eve), a night when many Roman Catholics historically refrained from eating meat as part of their religious observance. Instead of meat, fish became the focus of the meal, and the feast developed as a way to mark the occasion with multiple courses of seafood.
The number seven holds religious significance in Christianity, symbolizing completion and perfection, as seen in references to seven sacraments, seven days of creation, and seven virtues. While seven is the most common number associated with the feast, some families serve fewer or more courses, sometimes opting for nine, eleven, or even thirteen types of fish, each with their own symbolic meaning.
Though the Feast of the Seven Fishes isn’t widely celebrated across Italy, it has deep roots in Southern Italy, particularly in regions like Calabria and Sicily. Italian immigrants brought the tradition to America in the early 20th century, and it has since become a cherished part of Italian-American Christmas celebrations.
What Are the Seven Fishes?
While there’s no strict rule about which specific types of fish must be included in the feast, there are several types of fish and seafood that are commonly featured in the Feast of the Seven Fishes. These dishes are typically prepared using a mix of frying, baking, and poaching techniques, and vary from region to region, with family recipes handed down through generations.
Here are some of the most popular fish and seafood traditionally served:
1.Baccalà (Salted Cod)
•Dish: Baccalà is one of the most iconic dishes of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. This dried and salted cod is soaked to remove the salt and then prepared in various ways, such as fried or simmered in a tomato sauce with olives.
•Recipe Idea: Baccalà alla Napolitana (Neapolitan-style cod) – Salted cod cooked in a rich tomato sauce with capers, olives, and garlic.
Search FamilyCookbookProject.com for salted cod recipes.
2.Calamari (Squid)
•Dish: Calamari is typically served fried as a crispy appetizer or as part of a seafood salad.
•Recipe Idea: Fried Calamari – Lightly battered and fried squid rings served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Search FamilyCookbookProject.com for Calamari recipes.
3.Gamberi (Shrimp)
•Dish: Shrimp is a versatile seafood often grilled, sautéed, or poached. It’s also popular in pasta dishes.
•Recipe Idea: Shrimp Scampi – Sautéed shrimp in a garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce, served over pasta or with crusty bread.
Search FamilyCookbookProject.com for Shrimp recipes.
4.Cozze (Mussels)
•Dish: Mussels are often steamed in a flavorful broth made with garlic, wine, and fresh herbs. They can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
•Recipe Idea: Cozze in Bianco (Mussels in White Wine) – Steamed mussels in a white wine, garlic, and parsley broth.
Search FamilyCookbookProject.com for Mussels recipes.
5.Vongole (Clams)
•Dish: Clams are another staple, often served as part of a seafood pasta dish or steamed with wine and garlic.
•Recipe Idea: Linguine alle Vongole – Pasta with clams in a white wine and garlic sauce, a simple yet flavorful dish.
Search FamilyCookbookProject.com for Clam recipes.
6.Scungilli (Conch)
•Dish: Scungilli, or conch, is a type of sea snail that’s often served in a cold seafood salad or cooked in a tomato sauce.
•Recipe Idea: Scungilli Salad – A refreshing salad made with sliced scungilli, celery, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
Search FamilyCookbookProject.com for conch recipes.
7.Acciughe (Anchovies)
•Dish: Anchovies are used in a variety of ways, from being part of antipasti platters to adding depth to sauces.
•Recipe Idea: Anchovy Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with anchovies, roasted peppers, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Search FamilyCookbookProject.com for Anchovies recipes.
Other fish that are sometimes included in the Feast of the Seven Fishes are eel (especially in Naples), lobster, octopus, whiting, and sardines. The selection of fish often depends on local availability and family traditions.
How to Celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes at Home
If you want to host your own Feast of the Seven Fishes, here are a few tips to make it special:
•Plan Your Menu: Decide on seven types of fish or seafood and how you want to prepare them. Choose a mix of fried, baked, and sautéed dishes for variety.
•Make it a Family Affair: Invite family members to contribute their favorite seafood dishes or to help with the preparation.
•Keep it Simple: While it’s tempting to go all out, remember that Italian cooking is often about simplicity. Let the freshness of the seafood shine by using simple ingredients and cooking methods.
•Set the Table: Create a festive atmosphere by setting the table with holiday décor, candles, and perhaps some Italian wine to pair with your seafood feast.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a beautiful tradition that combines family, faith, and the joys of seafood into one memorable meal. Whether you’re honoring a long-standing family tradition or starting a new one, celebrating Christmas Eve with seven seafood dishes is a delicious way to embrace the spirit of the holiday season.
Bill Rice is Founder and Co-Publisher of the Family Cookbook Project, the leading online cookbook publisher with a website that helps families and individuals collect, preserve and share food memories by creating their own printed custom cookbooks. He is the author of The Wellfleet Oyster Cookbook and the Cape Cod Cocktail Cookbook (Available on Amazon), both created using FamilyCookbookProject.com. He is also editor of the Donovan Family Cookbook, now it’s third printing and is an avid genealogist tracing his family back to the 1600’s.
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