For many Italian-American families, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is as synonymous with Christmas as presents under the tree. A Christmas Eve tradition brought by immigrants from Italy in the late 1800s, it has evolved from an effort to abstain from meat into one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year.

From its humble Roman Catholic beginnings to the vibrant culinary extravaganza it has become, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a pillar of the Italian-American experience. And though it was once unique to home kitchens in the Northeast, a new generation is taking this beloved tradition nationwide.