The holiday season is a time of traditions passed down through the ages.

One of West Virginia’s richest traditions is the Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival, held annually in historic downtown Fairmont to celebrate Italian ancestors’ heritage. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, December 9.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is typically celebrated on Christmas Eve in observance of the “Cena della Vigilia (the miraculous birth of Christ).” Early Christians typically fasted on Christmas Eve until after receiving communion at Midnight Mass. In Marion County, many residents with Italian ancestry continued these traditions throughout the years.

This year’s festival will feature authentic Italian dishes from local chefs and restaurants. Looking for clams casino? Baccala? Deep-fried calamari or linguine? At the Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival, you are sure to find a variation of a classic feast table and a glass of wine.

And during this outdoor event, you can grab a seat inside at the old firehouse on Monroe Street.

Visitors will also be able to hear great music and shop for local crafts from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Be sure to check the schedule, too; while many performers and events for the street fair have yet to be announced, the day will be packed with entertainment, music, and demonstrations.

Once this year’s food and artisan street fair winds down, stick around for Marion County’s annual Christmas parade at 5 p.m.

And at 5:30 p.m. that day, you can celebrate mass at the Saint Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church at 407 Jackson Street in Fairmont.

Other events that day include Tea With a Twist at the Fleming Mansion and “Iceless” Ice Skating at Palatine Park.

What’s your favorite dish at the Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival?

Also, be sure to check out the Marion County ADVENTure Calendar where we will feature 25 days of exclusive specials.