How and where the Epiphany is celebrated in Italy

Info and Description

Where is the Befana celebrated in Italy ? There are many events dedicated to the nice old lady around the Italian squares. The befana, in the imagination of every child, brings the gifts and sweets that she carries in the classic sock to good children or coal to naughty children. Or, a stake is set up that burns last year too, to make room for the new one.

How to celebrate January 6th in Italy

The Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 and the Italian saying " The Epiphany, which all holidays takes away " is really good. It is in fact the last day that the Christmas holidays close and the New Year definitively begins from there. And what happens in Italy during the day of the Befana?

Each region and each city celebrates this day with different events, according to their traditions. In addition to being the closing day of many Christmas markets, each square stages a beautiful show to celebrate this somewhat melancholy day.

The befana in Venice

In Venice , on the occasion of the Epiphany, the characteristic Befana Regatta takes place. 50 men and women dressed as witches will compete with oars in the Grand Canal. The winner will be the one who first crosses the finish line, consisting of a very long sock hanging on the Rialto Bridge.

The Panevin Friulano

Not far from Venice, moving towards Friuli , you can come across a long series of bonfires. The so-called Panevins are propitiatory bonfires on which it is customary to burn the old woman or the witch. The direction of the smoke will describe the lucky or not-so-lucky trend of the coming year. All this serves as a good omen to drive away the bad thoughts of the old year and start the new one with good intentions.

The Epiphany in Rome

Every year in the capital it is possible to attend a beautiful costume parade that starts from Castel Sant'Angelo and reaches St. Peter's Square . In the meantime, in Piazza Navona, children can have fun in the numerous rides or in the cake stalls where it is possible to buy very long socks.

The Naples fashion show

In Naples , however, you can attend a characteristic parade on the Caracciolo seafront. Wagons and characters dressed for the party will parade leaving behind a breathtaking view.

From a folkloristic point of view, every part of Italy brings out the best of itself, framing our squares with sweets to make children unite. On the other hand we find the tradition and the Epiphany also coincides with the arrival of the Magi. In the Gospel, 3 Magi arrived from the East go to Bethlehem to adore the Baby Jesus. Even the famous "Cavalcade of the Magi" is reproduced in many parts of Italy.

One of the most famous takes place in Florence , in Piazza del Duomo. The celebration of the Epiphany takes place with a large and long parade with beautiful period costumes. The 3 wise men will arrive with their gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh and following them, a parade of more than 500 people. The walk will go around the city, passing by the main attractions: it starts from Palazzo Pitti, crosses Ponte Vecchio, arrives at Piazza della Signoria and ends in Piazza del Duomo.

All the events mentioned here are certainly an opportunity to visit each of these cities even in the coldest period of the year. We are waiting for you on our pages to find out more! We are waiting for you, online!