Jan 5

Befana Festival

Sometimes referred to simply as La Befana, this is the Twelfth Night festival in Italy where the Befana, a kindly witch, plays much the same role that Santa Claus plays elsewhere. According to legend the Befana was sweeping her house when the Magi, or three Wise Men, stopped by on their way to Bethlehem. She told them she was too busy to accompany them. Later she changed her mind and set out to find the Christ Child, but she got lost. Every year la Befana passes through Italy in her continuing search for the Gesu Bambino, leaving gifts for the children.