La Befana, which coincides with the feast of the Epiphany on 6 January, is a public vacation in Italy.
Italians have fun the non secular feast of the Epiphany, or the extra widespread folklore model of La Befana, on 6 January which falls on a Saturday in 2024.
The Epiphany is a nationwide vacation throughout Italy, with public places of work closed, and marks the official finish of the Christmas season.
Within the Bible custom the feast of the Epiphany is when the Three Clever Males arrive in Bethlehem bearing presents for Child Jesus on the twelfth day of Christmas.
Who’s La Befana?
Nonetheless within the widespread fairytale model the story goes that the clever males invited a witch-like lady, or strega, to affix them on their journey to convey presents to the Christ baby.
She initially refused, attributable to being too busy with home tasks, however then tried to observe them. Unable to search out Jesus, the kind-hearted Befana gave the toys to different youngsters.
Though overshadowed by the trendy custom of Santa Claus, La Befana stays adored by Italian youngsters, who grasp up their stockings in anticipation of presents on the night time between 5 and 6 January.
The stockings are positioned by home windows or over fireplaces, with a glass of wine or some Christmas treats similar to panettone or pandoro usually unnoticed as refreshments for La Befana.
Youngsters who’ve been good usually obtain sweets whereas those that have misbehaved will get lumps of coal – which today may be black rock sweet.
After depositing her presents, the soot-covered previous hag is understood for sweeping up the home earlier than hopping on her broomstick once more.
What are the origins of La Befana?
The folklore custom has been celebrated in Italy in a single kind or one other for hundreds of years, presumably rising out of historic pagan rituals or descended from the Sabine/Roman goddess named Strenia.
La Befana is most related to central Italy and Rome – the place the Christmas market in Piazza Navona is understood by her identify – however the customized unfold to the remainder of the nation through the twentieth century.
The Viva la Befana occasion returns to Rome in 2024, happening from Through della Conciliazione to St Peter’s Sq. at 10.00 on 6 January, earlier than the Angelus with Pope Francis at noon.
Comprising costumed figures, camels and horses, the parade is designed to mix Christian values with the folklore that the day evokes in Italy.
La Befana 2024
As a nationwide vacation and a holy day, public places of work shall be closed throughout Italy on Saturday 6 January 2024, with most faculties reopening the next Monday.
