The holidays are here! And with that comes a whole cornucopia of traditions, stories, mythology, the gathering of friends and family, and ancient rituals that still manifest into our modern lives - connecting us to the places where we live and the history we embody.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is one of these traditions. It is an Italian-American Christmas eve celebration and feast that is now celebrated all over the world.
Whether you’ve celebrated this feast for years or you’re discovering it for the first time, understanding the history, meaning, and classic dishes can make your own Feast of the Seven Fishes even more memorable.
The Story Behind the Feast of the Seven Fishes
Like many holiday traditions, the exact origins of the Feast of the Seven Fishes are layered with symbolism and interpretation. Some believe the number seven represents the days of creation in the Book of Genesis. Others tie it to the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. Interestingly, despite these connections, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is not an official Catholic holiday and does not appear on the Church calendar.
What most historians do agree on is that the tradition evolved from the Italian practice of la vigilia, the Christmas Eve vigil. Historically a day of fasting, la vigilia would end with a celebratory meal—typically featuring fish rather than meat. As Italian immigrants made their way to North America, the custom evolved into what we now recognize as the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
You may also hear this celebration referred to as La Vigilia di Natale, Cenone, or Cena della Vigilia di Natale. Whatever the name, the sentiment remains the same: gathering with loved ones to share a festive seafood-focused meal.
The Seven Fish: What’s Traditionally Served?
The typical fish that are featured in this celebration include:
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Baccalà (salt cod)
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Frutti di mare (shellfish)
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Capitone (eel)
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Calamari (squid)
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Scungilli (conch meat) and vongole (clams)
Other food writers insist that the “seven fishes” actually depends entirely upon the region where people are celebrating - and that the fish on the plate will reflect the seafood that is available to families and friends. What you find on one table in southern Italy will probably be very different than what you find on the island of Manhattan or off the coast of Tanzania.
The reality of our globalized world is that communities with a shared heritage often live in far-flung locations due to events such as war, famine, and economic opportunity. With these patterns of movement, our traditions shift and stretch as well. This holiday is an apt example of that.
And there are more interpretations to be had. Some people choose to cook up to seven different fish for their Christmas Eve feast. Others actually choose one fish and cook it seven different ways. Other people focus on seven different courses of the meal - some with fish, others without. Either way, there’s usually a mouthwatering variety of dishes!
Classic & Creative Dishes for the Feast of the Seven Fishes
So, what are some of these delicious dishes?
Again, the particular dishes of this celebration will most likely reflect the coast and landscape in which they take place, as well as the preferences of the people doing the cooking.
Some popular examples include frittelle di baccalà (cod fritters), la pasta e broccoli in brodo di arzilla (pasta, broccoli & arzilla fish soup) and spaghetti con la mollica e le alici (spaghetti with anchovies & breadcrumbs).
The possibilities are endless, with both traditional and modern takes on beloved dishes serving as staples that bring people together. And it’s not only about the fish on the table. Mushrooms, mac n cheese, tarts, and salads are also part of the festivities.
Make Your Feast of the Seven Fishes More Sustainable
As you plan your own Feast of the Seven Fishes, sourcing high-quality, sustainably harvested seafood makes all the difference. Choosing responsibly caught products ensures that beloved traditions can continue for generations to come.
That’s where tinned seafood can shine. Premium, ethically sourced tinned fish—like TinCanFish’s curated selections—offers incredible flavor, convenience, and sustainability, making it easier than ever to plan your celebration with confidence.
Whether you’re preparing traditional baccalà dishes or experimenting with modern takes using mussels, sardines, or anchovies, starting with responsibly harvested seafood helps keep this cherished tradition alive.
Celebrate Your Feast of the Seven Fishes with TinCanFish
Planning your own Feast of the Seven Fishes this year? Elevate your menu with premium, sustainably sourced seafood that honors the tradition’s roots while embracing modern convenience. TinCanFish offers a curated selection of top-quality tinned mussels, sardines, anchovies, octopus, and other seafood essentials perfect for building a memorable feast at home.
Browse our full collection of responsibly harvested tinned fish to find the ingredients that will bring your Feast of the Seven Fishes to life. Your holiday table (and your guests!) will thank you.