Cast of “Feast of the Seven Fishes” Revealed: Meet the Stars of the Holiday Film

Dive into the Delightful Depths of "Feast of the Seven Fishes": More Than Just a Movie Title

Ever heard of a Christmas Eve dinner that seems like an oceanic adventure? Buckle up. We are diving into "Feast of the Seven Fishes," a title as intriguing as the tradition it depicts. It's more than your typical holiday flick; it offers a peek into an Italian-American holiday custom. It has romance and family quirks. First, let’s discuss the movie itself. "Feast of the Seven Fishes" is not a Hollywood creation. Its roots lie deep in West Virginia. Marion County is the specific location. Imagine small towns like Rivesville and Fairmont. If you picture quaint small-town America, you are on the right track. Fairmont is actually the hometown of Robert Tinnell. He is the writer and producer for this cinematic venture. Tinnell did not just create this story; it is based on his graphic novel from 2005. It is also titled "Feast of the Seven Fishes." This graphic novel reflects his experiences growing up in an Italian-American family. When you watch the movie, you see a real slice of life. You get a bit of that Tinnell family spice. Now, where can you find this movie? In the streaming universe, options abound. You can stream "Feast of the Seven Fishes" on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. There’s also Peacock Premium. If you're feeling thrifty, watch for free with ads on The Roku Channel, VUDU Free, or Shout! Factory TV. Amazon Prime Video offers it with ads too. Ads are everywhere! Catching this movie is easier than finding parking during the holiday rush. Already on Prime Video? Search for "Feast of the Seven Fishes," and you are set! But let’s talk about the real meat of the matter: the Feast of the Seven Fishes tradition itself. What exactly is this “Feast of the Seven Fishes”? It sounds like it belongs in a mermaid’s fairytale! Well, it is an Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration. Imagine a dinner with not turkey or ham, but a glorious array of fish and seafood dishes. Sounds fishy? In the best way! Here’s a fun fact: The “Feast of the Seven Fishes” isn't an age-old custom from Italy. It’s more of an Italian-American invention. Born in the United States, this tradition is a testament to Italian immigrants. They sought to keep their heritage alive while embracing a new home. They took the spirit of Italian Christmas Eve traditions and made them bigger and bolder. They reimagined the traditions of their homeland. The result? Something uniquely Italian-American. They took Italy’s best parts and supercharged them. So, where does this fishy feast come from, religiously speaking? The Feast of the Seven Fishes has roots in ancient Catholic tradition. For centuries, Catholics practiced fasting before major religious holidays, including Christmas Day. Think of it as a culinary cleanse before celebration. This tradition harks back to the Italian “vigilia,” ending with a meal sans meat and dairy. It builds appetite for the Christmas feast by feasting on fish. Clever, right? Now, the million-dollar question: Why *seven* fishes? Why not five, ten, or a sensible three? The number seven is steeped in symbolism. It’s not random. It represents many concepts. Think of the seven sacraments in Catholicism, seven days of creation, seven virtues, and even the seven deadly sins. Seven represents the days it took Mary and Joseph to reach Bethlehem before Jesus arrived. This number signifies much. It packs meaning into this fish-centric feast. Now, let’s discuss the delicious details: what kinds of fish are included? Is it just tuna and salmon? Absolutely not! A typical "Feast of the Seven Fishes" menu is an oceanic odyssey. Imagine starting with stuffed calamari, brimming with breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs. Next up, perhaps stuffed mushrooms with crab – why not? Smoked salmon adds elegance with capers, red onion, tomatoes, and crackers. For adventurous palettes, there’s scungilli salad, often featuring conch, calamari, shrimp, olives, garlic, and herbs. And who could forget smelts? These small fish are breaded and fried; they are like popcorn – addictive! For purists, “typical fishes” in this feast include baccalà (salt cod), frutti di mare (shellfish extravaganza), capitone (eel for the bold), calamari (squid for the crowd), scungilli (conch meat for chewiness), and vongole (clams). It’s a seafood concert of flavors! What do you wash down this seafood with? Wine! Specifically, wine pairing is key for elevating a feast. Sommelier Michael Madrigale from Grand Cuvée suggests crispy white wine. His top pick is Fiano di Avellino from southern Italy. Why this wine? According to Madrigale, it has great acidity and richness that pairs well with many fish types. But a feast isn’t solely about main courses. Side dishes support, adding balance and heartiness. Potatoes provide a comforting anchor to the seafood extravaganza. Want to lighten it up? Vegetable sides like spinach or leeks add freshness to the table. Creating balance of flavors is essential. Diving deeper into cultural currents that shaped this tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is intertwined with Italian and Catholic traditions. We’ve discussed abstaining from meat before holidays; it is not modern dietary fad. This feast is based on ancient Catholic ways, honoring customs while enjoying a festive meal. Italian-American families played a role in popularizing this tradition. They rekindled Old Country’s Christmas Eve tradition by crafting a seven-course seafood meal. This wasn’t just about rules; it connected them to their heritage. The sea holds significance in Italian culture. Celebrating through food helped Italian immigrants maintain cultural identity during Christmas. According to tradition, “La Vigilia,” Christmas Eve in Italy, excludes meat and focuses on fish and vegetables. The Italian-American Feast of the Seven Fishes amplifies this, showcasing seafood abundance and festive spirit of culture. Now, let’s detour into slang territory. Ever heard “cake eater”? It appears in the movie, needing definition. “Cake eater” describes “an effeminate party-going dandy.” More broadly, it's for someone “spoiled, entitled, or out of touch.” It serves as a label for someone perceived as privileged, out of touch with reality. In the film’s context, it adds social commentary and nuance to characters. Let's zoom out. The Feast of the Seven Fishes stands apart among Christmas Eve traditions worldwide. It’s not the only special meal. Look at the Polish tradition, “Wigilia.” This feast has its own spin. It includes *twelve* dishes. That’s abundant! A traditional “Wigilia” serves fried carp, beetroot soup (“barszcz”) with dumplings (“uszka”), herring, cabbage with mushrooms, and dessert like kutia. Twelve dishes create a culinary marathon! Next is the German Christmas Eve custom. It features sausages with potato salad. Simple and hearty. No fish here, but it’s classic comfort. Then there's Ireland. Irish Christmas Eve includes fish. This ties to fasting before Christmas. It's like the Feast of the Seven Fishes. But less extravagant. Fish appears frequently in cultures’ traditions, often linked to fasting. The "Feast of the Seven Fishes" is not a movie alone. It dives into a rich tradition. It tells a story of family and food. Cultures adapt and evolve during holidays. If you’re Italian-American, a foodie, or just after a heartwarming movie, this film offers deep insights. You might choose to add more fish dishes to your Christmas Eve. For more about the tradition, check Wikipedia on the Feast of the Seven Fishes. For ratings or reviews, Rotten Tomatoes works well. To learn about characters like Beth, played by Madison Iseman, use IMDb. Enjoy the film! Perhaps add scungilli salad to your holiday menu!