Christmas in Valdichiana Senese: traditions and flavors

THE TRADITIONS OF VALDICHIANA SENESE IN CHRISTMAS ARE READY TO ACCOMPANY THE TABLES DURING THE MOST IMPORTANT FEAST OF THE YEAR

The most beautiful, magical and joyful time of the year has finally arrived. In these days we can dedicate ourselves to the final preparations, trying in every way to make that splendid day perfect. Christmas has now arrived and we are all ready to sit at the table with our loved ones and spend special moments with them. Warm, at home, perhaps next to a nice lit fireplace. Immediately our thoughts turn to food, of course: there is no Christmas without the classic binge, a lunch rich in traditions and flavors, in the spirit of hospitality and conviviality. Even if all these characteristics are common in every part of Italy, here in Valdichiana Senese we have particular traditions, both culinary and otherwise. Therefore, if you are curious, you can “savor” them below.

The traditions of Christmas in Valdichiana Senese: log, cards and sweets

The strength of traditions, as we know, comes from simplicity and genuineness. Carrying on the same habits for decades (if not centuries) is possible only when this is beautiful, easy and above all sincere. Christmas in Valdichiana Senese is certainly no exception. One of the liveliest traditions in this corner of Tuscany is certainly that of the “log”, which is often found in other parts of Italy as well. This custom consists in using a large piece of wood, a part of a tree trunk, to light the fire in the fireplace. This process must be repeated every day, from Christmas Eve to Epiphany, because it represents the family warmth that accompanies us throughout the holidays. And just as tradition dictates, the flame of the log must never completely expire these days, precisely because love for our loved ones never fades.

After the holidays, the ashes of this long bonfire can be used for various purposes. Since Valdichiana Senese is a land with a long peasant tradition, here the ashes are often thrown into the fields, to give new life to the earth and, metaphorically, to revive our passion through nature, which will then gently deliver its fruits to us.

Cards in Valdichiana Senese: Mercante in “chiana” and “bestia”

The Mercante in Fiera is a card game known throughout Italy and here it has the local variant inspired by the Chiana. The Mercante in Chiana totally reflects the original game, with obviously some variables in the card illustrations and prizes. Another card game typical of holidays throughout Tuscany is “Bestia”. You know, in Tuscany cards are an institution and there are many games that fill our days. Bestia is different from all the others because it is the traditional game of Christmas in Valdichiana Senese, is partly inspired by Briscola but has its own peculiar characteristics. It is a game to play with the family to be able to laugh together, but please don’t be too competitive!

Panforte, ricciarelli and cavallucci for a Christmas table

A Christmas table worthy this name has precise desserts, evergreens of flavor and tradition. In facts, Traditional Christmas sweets in Valdichiana Senese are essential for the success of the Christmas lunch in this portion of Tuscany. You will find them on every table, and we assure you that they are very good. They are all typical sweets of the Sienese lands and have very interesting stories: we have already talked about them here, if you are curious you can take a look at them. Among the various Christmas games of Valdichiana Senese, we find a very curious activity: the game of panforte.

You got it right, yes. In southern Tuscany, from Monte Amiata to the Valdichiana, passing through Val d’Orcia, you may run into family tournaments or hamlets competitions in which people play with this dessert. The game is very simple and, although it may seem strange, it is fun. You simply have to throw the panforte on a table, from a distance, trying to get as close as possible to the edge without dropping it. And, to combine business with pleasure, after playing with the panforte you can also eat it!

We hope we have stimulated your curiosity and above all your appetite! If you want to savour the traditions of Christmas in Valdichiana Senese at table, you can do so thanks to a box made of flavors from the Christmas in Valdichiana or with a box of flavors perfect to celebrate all year round!