The Neapolitan Tombola: The Traditional Neapolitan Christmas Game

The Neapolitan tombola is one of the most deeply rooted and heartfelt Christmas traditions in Naples and many other parts of southern Italy. This game, which unites family and friends in an atmosphere of festivity and merriment, is a ritual that has its roots in popular culture and which, every year, returns with the same energy as always. But what is tombola really and why is it so important for Neapolitan culture? Let’s discover together its history, its rules and why it is a true symbol of the Christmas festivities.

The History of Neapolitan Tombola

 Tombola has origins dating back to the 18th century. Although the idea of a similar game can be traced in various countries, it was in Naples that this game took on a unique and distinctive form. The Neapolitan version, in fact, differs in certain aspects from the one played in other regions of Italy, not only in the configuration of the board, but above all in the element of the smorfia, the famous interpretation of numbers linked to popular tradition and the Kabbalah.

According to some historical sources, Neapolitan tombola originated as a kind of lottery game, with numbers drawn from a series of tiles or balls. During the Christmas period, families would gather to spend the long winter evenings together and this game represented the socialising moment par excellence. With time, tombola became an end-of-year ritual, capable of uniting generations and transmitting values of tradition and community.

How to Play Tombola

Neapolitan tombola is played with a board consisting of 90 numbers (from 1 to 90), and a series of numbered cards. Each card consists of three rows and nine columns, with five numbers in each row. The other numbers are drawn randomly from a bag containing 90 numbers, one at a time, and called aloud by the ‘auctioneer’, a figure who often adds colour and folklore to the scene with his unique and expressive style.

Participants have to mark the numbers on their cards as they are drawn. The objective of the game is to complete a series of number combinations, such as ‘row’ (completing a horizontal row), ‘tombola’ (completing all the rows in the folder) or other combinations such as ‘ambo’, ‘terno’ and ‘quaterna’. The first player to complete one of the combinations wins a prize, which can be symbolic or material, depending on local customs.

The Neapolitan Tombola Scostumata: Irreverent and Funny Side of Tradition

 In addition to the traditional Neapolitan tombola, there is a more ‘scostumata’ version that reflects the more irreverent and playful side of Neapolitan culture. This variant, though less formal and often more ‘transgressive’, never fails to provoke laughter and fun among participants, especially in more informal settings or among friends. The scostumata tombola is distinguished by the addition of numbers and interpretations linked to spicy, goliardic or even slightly vulgar situations, reflecting the lively and unfiltered spirit of the city of Naples.

 The scostumata tombola, despite its provocative nature, remains an element of socialisation and play, capable of creating a strong bond between those who participate, making Christmas even more lively and fun. Despite its more ‘scandalous’ side, it also represents the ability of Neapolitans to deal with even the most taboo subjects with irony and lightness, without ever losing the good humour and conviviality that are the true essence of Neapolitan Christmas.

The Smorfia: The Mysterious Side of the Tombola

 One of the most fascinating aspects of the Neapolitan tombola is its connection with the smorfia, a mysterious language that associates each number with a symbolic meaning or a situation in daily life. The Neapolitan smorfia, in fact, is based on popular beliefs and superstitions dating back centuries, and today it is often used to interpret dreams or to try to ‘guess’ the future. 

 In the course of the game, each number drawn can therefore provoke laughter and comments, particularly when one decides to play by interweaving tales – fictional facts or episodes from everyday life – with the numbers drawn.

A Moment of Sharing 

 The Neapolitan tombola is not just a game, but a moment of family and community gathering. Traditionally, it is played at home, with the family gathered around a table, and the game represents an opportunity to socialise and laugh together, forgetting everyday worries. During the Christmas season, tombola is also an opportunity to exchange symbolic gifts, perhaps small items carefully prepared for the person who has won a particular combination.

Tombola Today

Today, Neapolitan tombola is still a popular game during the Christmas holidays, but it has also adapted to new technologies. There are in fact digital versions of the game, with apps that allow the game to be played even remotely, keeping the tradition alive even for those who are far away. However, there is nothing that can match the charm of a tombola ‘in the flesh’, with numbers drawn and cards marked, voices rising in celebration and laughter filling the house.

 So, in conclusion, it can be said that the Neapolitan tombola is a game that encapsulates the essence of the Neapolitan tradition: conviviality, cheerfulness and a sense of community. It is a playful moment of togetherness and sharing, celebrating not only Christmas, but also the pleasure of being together, telling stories, and keeping traditions alive. In short, tombola is the beating heart of Christmas in Naples, an appointment that cannot be missed in the homes of Neapolitans, every year, always with the same magic.