La Befana

Happy 2025 to all!

After having the big fireworks, concerts and food for the new year, follows another tradition in Italy called “La Befana”.

This celebration is associated with the Epiphany on January 6th. The Befana is known to be an old woman who rides on a broomstick and delivers gifts to children all over Italy.

The legend states that the Befana was approached by the Magi also known as the Three Wise Men, on their way to visit baby Jesus, but the Befana was too busy to join them. Regretting her decision later, she will now travel every year on the night of January 5th, leaving gifts for children who have been good and coal for those who have misbehaved.

The figure of the Befana is often represented as kind, beloved witch and is similar to Father Christmas or Santa Claus in some ways, but she is unique to the Italian culture and carries her own clear traditions and stories.

Italians will celebrate the arrival of the Befana with special sweets, chocolates and a big feast. Children often hang stockings by the fireplace or or shoes outside their bedroom door, hoping to find them filled with treats in the morning.

Pictures Francesca Scanferla – Essential Italy