Christmas Eve Catering Package
Feast Of The Seven Fishes Menu
$64.95 serves two, includes the following
Fried Baccala 4oz
Salmon 4oz
Fried Calamari 4oz
Smelts 4oz
Baccala Salad 4oz
Mini Crab Cakes 2 each
Sauteed Clams 4 each
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Celebrate Christmas Eve with the Feast of the Seven Fishes
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is part of the Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration, although it’s not called that in Italy and is not a “feast” in the sense of a “holiday,” but rather a grand meal. Christmas Eve is a vigil or fasting day, and the abundance of seafood reflects the observance of abstinence from meat until the feast of Christmas Day itself.
Origins & Tradition
While not widely practiced in Italy as a national tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes originated among Italian immigrants in the United States in the early 20th century. Its roots trace back to southern Italy, where many families would eat a simple meal of fish on Christmas Eve, observing La Vigilia, a vigil for the birth of Jesus. For Italian-American communities, this tradition evolved into a grand meal that symbolizes both religious observance and a celebration of cultural heritage.
Why Seven Fishes?
The “seven” in the Feast of the Seven Fishes has various interpretations. Some believe it represents the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, while others see it as symbolizing the seven days of Creation. In some families, the number might differ — it could be seven, nine, twelve, or even thirteen dishes — each with a special significance in the family’s traditions.
Common Dishes
There’s no fixed menu for the Feast, so dishes vary widely, often reflecting regional Italian recipes and personal family preferences. Here are some popular dishes often featured:
- Baccalà (Salted Cod): Often served fried or stewed, baccalà is a beloved centerpiece of the feast.
- Calamari (Squid): Served fried, grilled, or in a sauce with pasta.
- Clams and Mussels: Often served in a marinara sauce or as part of a seafood pasta.
- Shrimp Scampi or Cocktail: A simple, classic seafood dish enjoyed by many.
- Lobster: Boiled, grilled, or used in pasta dishes.
- Scungilli (Conch): Often part of a seafood salad or served with pasta.
- Eel: This traditional dish is especially popular in Naples and can be grilled or stewed.
The Celebration
The Feast of the Seven Fishes brings family and friends together to enjoy a multi-course, leisurely meal, each course offering a new seafood delight. It’s a night full of food, family stories, laughter, and a sense of cultural pride and nostalgia. Many Italian-American families look forward to this meal each year, preparing their favorite recipes or experimenting with new ones while keeping the essence of the tradition alive.