why do italians eat fish on christmas eve

In Italy, eating fish on Christmas Eve is a long-standing tradition known as "La Vigilia di Natale" or "The Vigil of Christmas." This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when Catholic priests prohibited the consumption of meat on Fridays and certain religious holidays. Since December 24th fell on a Friday during the Christmas season, people chose to eat fish instead. Over time, this tradition evolved into a special occasion where families gather together to enjoy a festive meal of seafood dishes, which may include squid, octopus, shrimp, or other types of fish. Today, this tradition continues to be an important part of Italian