Christmas is a holiday whose main traditions are known to all; however, some of these traditions can vary from one region to another, and in Nice, there are some very specific traditions. Let’s introduce them.
On the evening of December 24th, the tradition known as “cacha-fuรจc” dictates that the eldest member of the family extinguishes the fire in the fireplace, and the youngest must then relight it the next day. The expression “cacha-fuรจc” is now used to refer to Christmas Eve in the Niรงois dialect.
On Christmas Eve, a light meal called “lou gros soupร ” is prepared, consisting of seven meatless dishes before heading to midnight mass. For this meal, three tablecloths must be layered, and three plates of lentils or wheat planted in cotton on Saint Barbara’s Day should be placed on the table. The table must also be decorated with a sprig of holly, but never with mistletoe, which is considered bad luck.
At the table, a place and an empty plate are always left for “lou paure,” meaning “the poor” or “the deceased.” This empty seat is a tribute to the departed family members with whom Christmas was once celebrated.
At the end of the meal, usually after midnight mass, the 13 desserts are enjoyed, symbolizing the twelve apostles and Christ. Among these thirteen desserts are notably the Swiss chard pie, jam tart, and orange blossom fougasse.
On the following day, December 25th, the midday meal consists of meat, and on the evening of the 25th, the leftovers are finished on the third and final tablecloth.
