The Christmas season has always been the most atmospheric and magical time of the year, amid illuminations, colorful decorations, majestic fir trees and lots of good food. In Italy, the beginning of the Christmas season is marked by the so-called Feast of the Immaculate Conception Which falls on December 8.

It is one of the most beloved holidays and on this day Italian families start setting up nativity scenes and trees. Actually, that of the Immaculate Conception is also a Catholic holiday as it celebrates the figure of the Virgin Mary.

But what can you do in the city of Naples between December 8 and 10? Truth be told, there is no shortage of activities, starting with the famous street of shepherds, San Gregorio Armeno, which is overrun with tourists every year, especially under Christmas. However, there are also many other culinary or cultural-themed experiences that are truly not to be missed. Come with to find out what awaits you in Naples during these two days!

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

The Immaculate Conception has been an official holiday of the Italian state since as far back as 1854, when Pope Pius IX published his bull "Ineffabilis Deus" in which an ancient Christian belief from many centuries before was proclaimed as dogma. This feast was celebrated in the East as early as the 6th century, and thanks to Pius IX it was also included in the calendar of the Catholic Church.

The dogma spoke of Immaculate Conception to mean the conception without blemish. However, the name should not mislead as it does not refer to Jesus' conception and Mary's virginity, but to the fact that the Blessed Virgin Was made immune to original sin from the first moment of her conception.

This means that the Immaculate Conception concerns Mary herself and her conception by St. Anne and St. Joachim. To confirm the dogma, the Church also reports the Marian apparition of Lourdes of 1858, when the young Bernadette is said to have been told by Our Lady, "I am the Immaculate Conception."

What activities to do in the city between December 8 and 10

In Naples, one of the main traditions related to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is undoubtedly the obelisk ceremony which takes place in Jesus Square. In fact, every December 8, firefighters pay homage to the statue of Our Lady placed atop the monument by adorning it with a bouquet of flowers. For the occasion, the square fills with the faithful and non-faithful alike and is a must-attend event that marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

On this day, however, the entire Neapolitan historic center becomes a feast for the eyes as it is filled with lights, decorations and stalls with all kinds of objects and lots of food. For example, why not have a nice fried pizza or a pizza a portafoglio?

Amidst heady scents and artisan workshops, you can't miss a trip to San Gregorio Armeno, the street of Neapolitan nativity scenes that stretches between Via dei Tribunali and Spaccanapoli. It is good to say that from December 8 and until January 6 there are always plenty of people and special arrangements are often applied to relieve pedestrian traffic.

If, on the other hand, you are thinking of something different and more original, we have come up with some experiences for you to do with family or friends between December 8 and 10 in Naples.

For starters, you can take advantage of this Christmas food tour in the heart of the historic center of Naples, departing from Piazza del Gesù. After the aperitif, you will move to Spaccanapoli and taste fried pizzas, sfogliatelle, struffoli, mostaccioli, roccocò and many other Christmas delicacies.

Alternatively, you can purchase a walking tour through the Christmas markets which allows you to see the church of Santa Chiara and the stores of San Gregorio Armeno. After a stop to eat a delicious pizza, you can visit the tunnels and galleries of Napoli Sotterranea.

If you prefer to move to another area of the city instead, we suggest this tour among the cribs of the Charterhouse of San Martino. You will start at Piazza Vanvitelli, then head to the Certosa di San Martino to admire its display of nativity scenes, including the famous Cuciniello Nativity Scene. Next, you will be guided into the center of Naples to explore San Gregorio Armeno on your own.

Finally, we offer you this visit to the ruins of Pompeii thanks to which you can see the Amphitheater, the Forum, the Great Theater, the Villa of the Mysteries and many religious temples. At the end of the visit you can enjoy a magnificent pizza at a well-known tourist restaurant.

So, have you already decided how to spend the Immaculate Conception in Naples? Book your ticket now with Movery!