The Epiphany, or Epifania in Italian, is a significant holiday celebrated on January 6 in Italy. It marks the end of the Christmas season and commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men to visit the baby Jesus. While the religious significance is profound, the day is also filled with colorful traditions, folklore, and festive celebrations.
- The Epiphany – Italy’s Final Festive Farewell to the Holidays
- The Legend of La Befana: A Heartwarming Tale
- Where to Find Befana Festivals: Urban Celebrations and Rural Traditions
- Epiphany Parades and Processions: A Celebration of Faith and Folklore
The Epiphany–Italy’s Final Festive Farewell to the Holidays
In Italy, Epiphany signifies the arrival of the Three Wise Men at the manger of the Baby Jesus. This momentous occasion is steeped in Christian significance, representing the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles.
The day is a public holiday across Italy, allowing families to come together and celebrate this important event. Many Italians believe that January 6 is the last day of Christmas celebrations, encapsulated in the saying “L’Epifania tutte le feste porta via,” which translates to “The Epiphany takes all holidays away.“
The Legend of La Befana: A Heartwarming Tale
Central to the Epiphany celebrations in Italy is the legend of La Befana, a kindhearted old woman who delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5.
According to folklore, La Befana is an old woman who rides a broomstick and delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve (January 5). The story goes that she was invited by the Wise Men to join them on their journey to find Jesus but declined. Regretting her decision, she set out to locate Him but never succeeded. Instead, she leaves gifts for children who have been good throughout the year.
Children eagerly await her arrival, leaving out their shoes or stockings filled with hay or carrots for her broomstick-riding donkey. In return, they hope to find sweets and toys in their shoes by morning. For those who have misbehaved, La Befana leaves lumps of coal—often made from black rock candy—symbolizing a gentle reminder to improve their behavior.
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Where to Find Befana Festivals: Urban Celebrations and Rural Traditions
La Befana is a beloved figure in Italian culture, and many towns and cities across the country organize special events and festivals to celebrate her.
Urbania: The Heart of La Befana Celebrations
Urbania, located in the Marche region, is often regarded as the official home of La Befana. From January 2 to 6, the town hosts a vibrant festival featuring parades, music, and various activities for children. One of the highlights is La Befana arriving in a horse-drawn carriage, where she greets children and distributes gifts. The festival includes a giant stocking that can hold up to 10,000 gifts, making it a must-visit for families eager to experience this magical celebration.
Venice: The Regatta delle Befane
Venice offers a unique twist on the celebrations with the Regatta delle Befane. On January 6, men dressed as La Befana race along the Grand Canal in traditional boats and gondolas. This fun and quirky event typically starts in the morning and showcases the city’s rich maritime culture while celebrating this beloved character.
Rome: Piazza Navona and Its Festive Market
In Rome, the center of the festivities is Piazza Navona, where a lively market is held from late December until Epiphany. On January 6, the Befana makes her grand entrance at noon, flying across the square on her broomstick and handing out sweets and small gifts to children.
The market features stalls selling traditional treats like befanini (cookies) and decorative items related to La Befana. This lively atmosphere draws both locals and tourists who come to enjoy the festive spirit.
Viterbo: The Longest Befana Stocking
The hill town of Viterbo, located north of Rome, boasts what is claimed to be the longest Befana stocking in the world. On January 5, this giant stocking is paraded through town while sweets are distributed to children. This charming event emphasizes community spirit and highlights local traditions associated with La Befana.
Indeed, in the historic center of Viterbo, a 52-meter-long stocking will be paraded by 100 women dressed as Befane.
Barga: A Magical Encounter
The town of Barga, nestled in the Tuscan Apennines, hosts its own celebration on January 5. Visitors can meet La Befana in her cottage located in the woods nearby. The festivities include games and activities for children, making it an enchanting experience for families celebrating this holiday.
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Epiphany Parades and Processions: A Celebration of Faith and Folklore
The Epiphany is marked by colorful parades and processions that celebrate both faith and folklore. These events are rich in tradition and provide a glimpse into Italy’s cultural heritage.
Rome’s Cavalcade of the Magi: A Grand Procession Through the Eternal City
On January 6th, at 10 a.m., the historical, religious and cultural procession “VIVA LA BEFANA” will make its way along Via della Conciliazione.
This colorful celebration of volunteerism brings together historical re-enactors, horsemen, flag-wavers, musicians, marching bands, majorettes, military fanfares and living nativity scenes. Participants will showcase the rich history, folklore, traditions and local products of their regions, offering a unique Epiphany gift to the public.
Adding a touch of magic to the procession, the iconic Befana will ride in style on a luxurious Excalibur.
Florence’s Historical Parade: The Journey of the Wise Men
In Florence, a similar celebration unfolds with a historical parade that retraces the journey of the Wise Men through the city streets. Participants don traditional costumes reminiscent of biblical times, creating a captivating atmosphere that transports spectators back in time.
You will see the 3 Wise Men arrive with their gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh – with a parade of more than 500 people from all over Italy joining in the celebration. A small living nativity scene with baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and a manger with ox and donkey is set up in the Cathedral Square. Gentlemen with their ladies, knights, peasants, soldiers, religious figures, etc. The Uffizi Company of drummers and flag-wavers will enchant the crowd with their games and performances with flags, which they will wave in the air along the route and in Piazza della Signoria.
Magi Procession in Milan
Each year, the enchanting spectacle of the Historical Procession of the Three Magi unfolds in Milan. The procession, a vibrant tapestry of costumes and music, winds its way from Piazza Duomo to the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio.
This captivating re-enactment commemorates the legendary journey of Bishop Eustorgio, who brought the remains of the Three Wise Men from Constantinople to Milan in the 4th century. These sacred relics, believed to guide the Magi to Bethlehem, now rest in an urn within the Basilica. The basilica’s distinctive eight-pointed bell tower serves as a celestial reminder of the comet that illuminated their path.
As the procession marches through the city streets, the Municipal Band provides a stirring soundtrack, while costumed characters bring the biblical narrative to life.
Rural Italy: Smaller Village Processions and Unique Local Rituals
Beyond major cities, smaller villages across Italy host their own charming processions. These often include local rituals that reflect regional customs and traditions. In many places, effigies of La Befana are paraded through town before being burned in symbolic ceremonies that signify renewal.Epiphany fairs are another exciting feature of this holiday season. Markets spring up across towns offering traditional foods, crafts, and games for families. Visitors can indulge in seasonal treats like befanini (cookies) or fugassa d’la befana, a sweet focaccia enjoyed during this time.
