What is the festival of the witches in Italy?

In Urbania the Befana (the Witch of the Epiphany) festival is a thrilling event for the whole family, and one of the longest-running festivals in Italy.

What is the witch festival in Italy?

Urbania's Festa Nazionale Della Befana is a five-day Italian festival in early January that celebrates Befana, and it's a parade FULL of witches. The photo above was taken by photographer Nico Tranquilli. More photos of the festival can be found by searching Festa Nazionale Della Befanna (try here).

What do you leave out for Befana?

As the legend grew, so did the love of La Befana. To this day families leave out a glass of Red Wine for her, similar to the milk and cookies for Santa. In return, La Befana will sweep your home, sweeping out the bad from the prior year and bringing in the good for the new year.

Why do Italians celebrate La Befana?

In conclusion, La Befana is a cherished figure in Italian Christmas traditions, bringing joy and a touch of magic to the holiday season. Her visit on the night before the Epiphany is a reminder of the importance of generosity, kindness, and the enduring power of folklore in shaping our celebrations.

Is Befana good or bad?

The Befana is the equivalent of Santa Claus in Italian folklore. She is a good witch who on the night of Epiphany delivers gifts (sweets or toys) to nice children and gives pieces of coal to the naughty ones.

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What does Befana mean in English?

In Italian folklore and folk customs, the Befana (Italian: [beˈfaːna]) is a witch-like old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to Santa Claus or the Three Magi.

What do Italian children leave out for La Befana?

In return, children leave out a shoe or hang stockings in anticipation of her visit – they even may leave out some sweets and wine for her to enjoy as well. Befana is said to leave sweet treats for children that were nice and charcoal (or dark hard candy) for those children who were naughty.

What do Italians eat on La Befana?

Special Foods for the Occasion

Sweets like panettone, pandoro, and cookies shaped like La Befana are popular, alongside savory dishes like tortellini in brodo, especially in Emilia Romagna.

What do Italians do on January 6th?

On January 6th, Italians celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with a national public holiday. Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas period and commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus to the Magi, or three wise men.

What gifts does La Befana bring?

Here in Italy, it also represents the day of Befana, who is an old woman who delivers gifts (mainly chocolate) to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve if they were good, if not they get a lump of coal, just as Santa does on Christmas Eve.

What to put in Befana stocking?

Where does Befana leave gifts?

La Befana: the italian christmas witch

Unable to locate him, she decided to leave gifts for all children instead. Children hang stockings by the fireplace or near their beds, hoping to receive sweets and small presents from the befana. Those who have misbehaved might find coal (often candy in disguise) instead.

What is the Italian witch symbol?

The cimaruta ("chee-mah- roo-tah"; plural cimarute) is an Italian folk amulet or talisman, traditionally worn around the neck or hung above an infant's bed to ward off the evil eye (Italian: mal'occhio).

What is the largest witch festival in the world?

Witchfest International the largest Witchcraft festival in the World, moves to a new home in the plush Kempton Park Racecourse on the 22nd of November 2025.

How were witches executed in Italy?

The trials, led by the Inquisition, resulted in the execution of many of the accused, mostly through burning at the stake.

Is La Befana good or bad?

In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats on the morning of the Epiphany on January 6. But if you were bad, look out! You may wake up to a lump of coal.

What do Italians give each other for Christmas?

On Christmas day in Italy, it's traditional to give away sweets as gifts. Some common sweet treats that Italians love at this time of year are panettone (sweet bread with candied fruits and raisins) and torrone (nougat-like candy made of honey, sugar and almonds).

What is the name of the Italian witch?

Enter La Befana, the Italian Christmas Witch. Her story is an image coming from immemorial layers of culture and symbols, but roughly goes this way: According to Southern Italian folklore, La Befana is an old woman who was approached by the magi (Three Wise Men/Three Kings) on their way to visit Baby Jesus.

Why is Jan 6 Epiphany?

Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 because it's immediately after Twelfth Night, ie the end of the traditional twelve days of Christmas. That happens to currently be almost the same as the offset between the Julian calendar, which is used for reckoning eastern Christian religious observances, and the Gregorian.

What are three symbols of La Befana?

La Befana is represented by an old woman that, riding a broomstick through the air, delivers sweets and candies to the good kids. But she also brings coal, garlic, and onions to rascals.

How to celebrate Befana?

Traditions and events for celebrating 6 January

In Venice every year the Regata della Befana takes place, in which people dressed as the Befana challenge each other to a rowing race along the Grand Canal, while in Verona a large puppet is set on fire during the 'rogo della vecia' (burning of the old woman) ceremony.

What are special sayings on La Befana?

viva, viva, la Befana! Translated, the above poem reads “The Befana comes at night / In worn out shoes / Dressed like a Roman / Long live the Befana!” La Befana is often depicted as an old lady riding a broomstick, covered in soot and wearing a black shawl.