vigilia
eve / vigil (especially Christmas Eve)
Intermediate Noun Feminine
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Pronunciation
/viˈdʒi.lja/
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Cultural Note
La Vigilia di Natale is one of the most important Italian food traditions. The meal is strictly fish-based (no meat), often featuring the 'Feast of the Seven Fishes' in southern Italy. Midnight Mass (Messa di Mezzanotte) follows in many families.
📝 Example Sentences
La vigilia di Natale ceniamo con il pesce.
On Christmas Eve we dine with fish.
La vigilia è un momento di attesa e gioia.
The eve is a moment of anticipation and joy.
Alla vigilia di Capodanno brindamo a mezzanotte.
On New Year's Eve we toast at midnight.