Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival History

In 2005, Marion County native Robert “Bob” Tinnel published his graphic novel, ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes,’ based on his experiences of growing up in an Italian-American family. He depicted the Christmas Eve tradition of the same name that consists of a meatless meal with several seafood courses. Feast of the Seven Fishes, also known as Vigilia di Natale (or La Vigilia), is said to observe the wait until the baby Jesus’s midnight birth. The next year, 2006, Tinnell and his wife, Shannon Colaianni Tinnell, collaborated with Main Street Fairmont and the community to organize the first Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival in Fairmont. The event has continued ever since, and thousands attend each year. The Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival is a Top 20 Event for December by the Southeast Tourism Society. 

Unfortunately, the festival looks a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have a little fun!

Once again, we worked with Ben Kolb of Nativibes to create a Feast of the Seven Fishes Activity Book for the whole family to enjoy. 

May you all enjoy a safe and happy holiday! Bon Natale!

Find information on other Marion County holiday events here.