In Italy, alongside Santa Claus, there exists another figure who brings gifts – meet Befana. This character, resembling an old lady with few teeth, sports a lengthy nose, and a pointed chin, and travels on a broomstick. Though she might appear – and be described – akin to a witch, she’s not. Unlike a witch’s pointed hat, she dons a black shawl or a conspicuously knotted wool scarf under her chin. Moreover, unlike the conventional image of a witch riding a broom, Befana does so backward, holding the broom’s branches in front of her – nowadays, unfortunately, the iconography between the two is increasingly confused. Despite being easily annoyed by adults and occasionally cantankerous towards those she dislikes, she consistently greets children with a warm smile – a grandma brimming with care and gifts.
According to Italian folklore, the Befana (a lexical corruption from the ancient Greek “epiphaneia”) visits children on the night between January 5th and 6th – coinciding with the celebration of Epiphany. Children leave a sock hanging by the fireplace in their homes, and if their behavior has been commendable, they wake to find sweets, candies, or toys inside it. Conversely, for those who haven’t been on their best behavior, their socks might contain coal or garlic. In gratitude, families often leave a glass of wine and some food for her.
Interestingly, there’s a belief that she diligently sweeps the floor before departing – symbolizing the act of ‘sweeping away’ the problems of the recently concluded year. Tradition holds that her ‘old’ appearance signifies the end of a cycle – signaling the transition from the old to the new. With the winter solstice, we move from enduring nights to the gradual lengthening of daylight.
The Story of Befana
The origins of Befana trace back to ancient times, steeped in pre-Christian magical traditions. Its roots may be entwined with pagan rituals dating back to the 10th-6th century BC, associated with agricultural seasonal cycles. Romans inherited these rites, intertwining them with their calendar, commemorating nature’s death and rebirth on the twelfth night after the winter solstice. During these twelve nights, Romans believed that female entities soared above cultivated fields to ensure future crop fertility. Some accounts trace this female figure to Diana, the lunar goddess linked not only to hunting but also to vegetation. Others connect her to a lesser-known divinity like Satia, the goddess of satiety, or Abundia, the goddess of abundance.
An alternative theory links Befana to an ancient Roman winter festival honoring Ianus and Strenia, characterized by gift exchanges. The connection to the Roman world remains notably significant. Even today, a popular song dedicated to Befana resonates: “The Befana comes by night / with her shoes all tattered / in Roman attire / long live the Befana”.
Another perspective suggests Befana’s ties to the Celtic figure of Perchta, prevalent across Europe under various names like Bertha in Great Britain, Berchta in Austria, Switzerland, and France; Holda or Frau Holle in Germany, and Frigg in Scandinavia. Often depicted as a hunchbacked elderly woman with a hooked nose, disheveled white hair, and peculiar feet, clad in tattered garments and damaged shoes, she embodies a wintertime female persona.
In Christian tradition, Befana’s story intertwines with that of the Three Kings. Legend has it that during the Magi’s arduous journey to Bethlehem, they sought directions from an elderly woman. Though they invited her to accompany them, she declined. Regretting her decision, she packed a sack of sweets to find them but failed. Instead, she began knocking on doors, offering treats to every child she encountered, hoping to find Baby Jesus among them.
The Feast of Befana Today
The Befana is celebrated in various parts of Italy with parades, parties, and gatherings. It’s a beloved part of Italian holiday folklore and adds a unique charm to the holiday season. The celebration dedicated to Befana in Italy is diverse and widespread, encompassing various unique traditions across regions. Notably, Urbania, in the Marche region, stands out as the quintessential city for Befana festivities. Here, the feast is a serious thing. From January 4th to 6th, the city undergoes a transformation, adorned with vibrant squares and streets, resonating with music, shows, street performances, and bustling traditional markets. It becomes the hub of Befana activities, housing the Post Office where children can send letters to the renowned old lady, and the official Residence of Befana, where visitors can witness her engaged in customary tasks like weaving scarves or preparing sweet charcoal for the mischievous ones
The pinnacle of these celebrations is marked by the renowned parade of the world’s longest stocking, which recently measured an impressive 70 meters in length. A highlight is the Befana’s descent from the Bell Tower, a towering 36 meters high, where she, riding her broomstick, showers children with chocolates and sweets. Pistoia, in Tuscany, also witnesses a daring descent as a Befana descends from the evocative bell tower of the Duomo, while in Fornovo di Taro, in the province of Parma, the national meeting of Befane and Befani is held on January 5th and 6th.
In Veneto, the tradition takes a different turn with the saying “se brusa a vecia” – burn the old woman. Beyond rural fields, cities like Verona feature a straw puppet resembling Befana that is burned, symbolizing the purification of negativity from the previous year. The direction of the smoke is interpreted as an indicator of whether the new year will yield fruitful outcomes.
Venice hosts the Befana Regatta, where ancient rowing societies engage in a 15-minute race along the Grand Canal. Rowers don Befana costumes, followed by a procession of supportive boats, all adorned in disguise. The Rialto bridge becomes the final destination adorned with a colossal Befana stocking for the occasion. In Rome, the Befana festivities, cherished by both locals and tourists, include a foot race where participants dress as Befana. The highlight remains the traditional Befana market at Piazza Navona, offering an array of sweets, themed decorations, and a variety of socks and handicrafts.
In Liguria, the Befana has a distinct etymology from the Italian context, symbolizing a “dirty and scruffy old woman” in the Genoese dialect (Bazâra), reminiscent of the Iberian word “basura”, meaning rubbish. Traditions differ, as children receive chocolate-filled slippers containing dried chestnuts, garlic, or marenghi d’öo (chocolate coins). The tradition involves placing shoes outside the window, expecting the hovering spirit of Bazâra to fill them overnight, rewarding children who assist her.
In Montescaglioso, Basilicata, “The Night of the Cucibocca” takes place, featuring sinister characters that coerce children to bed early, threatening to sew their mouths shut to allow Befana to fulfill her tasks. Always in southern Italy, Candela in Puglia hosts the Flight of The Befana, an anticipated event creating the ‘Borgo della Befana’ at the year’s onset. As for Sardinia, the relatively recent introduction of Befana has replaced traditional celebrations like “sa Pasca de sos tres Res” (Sardianian for “the feast of the three kings”), reminiscent of Spain’s Los Reyes.
A Timeless Tradition
Despite the evolution of modern customs, the Befana tradition remains a cherished part of Italian heritage, passed down through generations. Its enduring appeal lies in the values it represents – kindness, generosity, and the joy of giving. The story of Befana continues to captivate hearts, fostering a sense of unity and warmth within communities.
As the Epiphany draws near, the spirit of Befana envelopes Italy, bringing families together in celebration and spreading the message of goodwill. It’s not just about the gifts she bestows but the spirit of love and generosity that she embodies, making her an integral part of Italy’s cultural fabric.
In the rich tapestry of Italian folklore, the story of Befana continues to weave its magic, enchanting both young and old with its timeless message of generosity and kindness. As the eve of Epiphany approaches, let us embrace the spirit of Befana, cherishing this age-old tradition that encapsulates the true essence of the holiday season – a time for giving, sharing, and spreading joy.