Christmas Eve in Corsica, an island tradition
As the end of the year approaches, traditions return as they do every year, and it's also an opportunity to discover those of the Isle of Beauty, and why not experience New Year's Eve in Corsica? A holiday to discover Corsican traditions, where conviviality and hospitality take pride of place!
Spend New Year's Eve in Corsica
Leave the mainland and the dreariness of winter for a warmer, sweeter Christmas vacation in Corsica. If your next vacation falls in December, don't hesitate to book your ticket now!
December is a beautiful winter in Corsica. The skies are often blue, and the mild temperatures are ideal for walks and outdoor activities.
The pleasure of vacationing in Corsica in winter
- Air fares are more affordable than in summer.
- Slow down your pace and discover new activities and flavors!
- The locals will have more time for you. Young and old alike will tell you all about Corsica.
- Don't hesitate to bring your ski equipment (or rent some locally). Corsica has four small ski resorts: Asco, Ghisoni (Haute Corse), Val d'Eze (Corse du Sud) and Vergio (Haute Corse). You can ski from 1400m to 1870m altitude. You'll have a wonderful view of the sea on your skis . For cross-country skiers, there's a guide on hand. See our article on "What not to do in Corsica in winter".
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Christmas in the Corsican tradition : on the menu, songs and customs
If you come to celebrate Christmas in Corsica, you'll discover traditions and customs that have been handed down from generation to generation for centuries. A cultural heritage where carols and gatherings make the festive season in Corsica a true moment of communion and sharing in a most festive atmosphere. You'll find it easy to enjoy magnificent midnight masses in towns and villages, moved by traditional Corsican carols. Christmas markets are plentiful and the ideal place to enjoy a memorable experience. Nativity scenes, illuminated fir trees, the arrival of Santa Claus, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, carols and bonfires await you.
Christmas traditions in Corsica
Customs and superstitions rub shoulders!
ÔRocchiu ! or the Christmas bonfire lit in front of every church and prepared by the village children; their mission is to find all the wood they need in the commune, so that the fire on December 24 is kept burning until the next day, when the hot ashes are collected.
Some Corsican families continue to respect the traditions that accompany Christmas Eve: an extra plate, for example , the poor man's plate, known as "u piattu di upuvarettu". This is reserved for a stranger who might knock on the door.
For superstition's sake, make sure that the number of logs in the fireplace is equal to the number of guests at the table. Beware of those who forget one... A death could occur in the family in the following year.
According to custom, the Veghja de Natale (Christmas Eve) is also an opportunity for the Signadora to pass on her knowledge of how to eliminate the evil eye by reading and interpreting the behavior of 3 drops of oil poured into water.
Meals near the Crib
The Christmas meal: In the old days, this was a light meal eaten after midnight mass. Grandma would grill figatellu (a dry sausage made mainly of pork meat and liver), accompanied by zucchini fritters. Dessert consisted of roasted chestnuts and fiadone (a kind of flan made from brocciu, a fresh whey cheese), with a delicious citrus taste. The evening was spent around the fire, listening to fairy tales, "E fole di Natale"including the story of the Alesani fairy and Francescu.
Thetraditional main course is roast lamb or goat and slices of Pulenta. Egg scramble with sea urchins and delicious cured meats such as prisuttu or coppa complete the feast. For dessert, frappes (sweet doughnuts) and canistrelli (crunchy cookies) arrive, along with the unmissable "Ceppu di Natale Castagniu" or chestnut Yule log, not forgetting oranges and clementines .
Parades, parades and Corsican carols enliven the city streets. A true moment of joy! The celebration is simple, with just the spirit of a family reunion.
Where to spend Christmas in Corsica?
The whole island of "Little Father Christmas" will surprise you during this period, because it's at the heart of the festive season that the Corsican identity is revealed. Whether in the mountains or by the sea, the magic of Christmas is guaranteed.
The villages perpetuate their traditions, and each region has its own!
How do you say Merry Christmas in Corsican?
Bon natale!
After the summer vacations, come and enjoy your winter vacations in Corsica. More convivial, with just as many outdoor activities to do, and the chance to soak up the festive atmosphere of the end-of-year f estivities!
Book your tickets and accommodation early with Corsicatours and create a surprise. Also check out our new brochure, available online, to help you plan your next vacation in advance!
Tutt'a squadra di Corsicatours vi prega un Bon Natale à tutti !