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Who Is La Befana
An Italian Folk Legend That Still Brings Joy Today
Bob Sorrentino for Phil~italy
January 06, 2026
Welcome Back (bentornati) to Phil~italy Cultural Exchanges Newsletter. We publish bi-weekly exploring the food, culture, music, art, architecture, natural beauty and history of our beloved Italy.
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The Origin of La Befana
La Befana is a beloved figure of Italian folklore whose roots stretch back to ancient times. Her story is traditionally linked to the Christian Epiphany on January 6, commemorating the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. According to legend, the Three Kings asked an old woman for directions to Bethlehem; she refused to join them at first, but later regretted her decision and set out to find the Child, carrying gifts. Unable to locate him, she instead left presents for children she encountered along the way, hoping one of them might be Jesus. Over time, this tale merged with older pagan traditions tied to the agricultural calendar and the end of the harvest year, giving La Befana her distinctive, timeless character.
Historically, La Befana also reflects pre-Christian Roman customs celebrating renewal and fertility. In ancient Italy, festivals honoring the goddess Strenia and rites marking the end of the agricultural year included gift-giving and symbols of rebirth. The image of an elderly woman sweeping away the old year became a powerful metaphor for the transition from the past to the future. When Christianity spread, these traditions were not erased but reinterpreted, allowing La Befana to survive as a folkloric figure who bridged pagan beliefs and Christian meaning.
In traditional depictions, La Befana appears as a kindly, broom-riding old woman, often mistaken for a witch but representing wisdom, endurance, and maternal care rather than fear. She enters homes through the chimney on the night of January 5, leaving sweets, small toys, or gifts for well-behaved children and lumps of coal—now usually sweet candy—for those who were naughty. Her humble appearance and simple offerings reflect rural Italian values, emphasizing modesty, generosity, and moral lessons rather than extravagance.
In contemporary Italy, La Befana remains a vibrant part of cultural life, celebrated with festivals, markets, and parades, especially in places like Rome’s Piazza Navona. While modern celebrations include commercial elements and tourism, the spirit of La Befana endures as a symbol of tradition, community, and continuity. She represents the closing of the Christmas season and a gentle reminder to reflect on the past year while welcoming the new one with hope, generosity, and a touch of magic.
Celebrate Pasqua/Easter in Sicilia with Phil~italy for 10 days April 1 -11, 2026
Special Offer Discount $110 per traveler
Visiting Sicily at Easter offers an unforgettable glimpse into the island’s deep spiritual traditions, vibrant culture, and timeless beauty. During Holy Week, every town and village comes alive with elaborate processions, dramatic reenactments, and age-old rituals that blend faith, folklore, and community pride. In places like Enna, Trapani, and Caltanissetta, thousands gather to witness processions of hooded confraternities, ancient statues, and music that fills the streets with solemn emotion. Beyond the religious events, spring in Sicily is breathtaking — wildflowers blanket the hills, the air is fragrant with citrus, and markets overflow with seasonal delights. Easter tables feature rich dishes like agnello al forno (roast lamb), cassatelle, and the famous cannoli, symbolizing rebirth and celebration. To visit Sicily at Easter is to experience not just a holiday, but a living tradition that unites history, faith, and the warmth of Sicilian life.
JOIN Phil~italy for 12 days April 16 -27, 2026 in Abruzzo and Molise
Special Offer Discount $110 per traveler
Visiting Molise and Abruzzo in the spring reveals a side of Italy that is authentic, unspoiled, and full of natural splendor. As the snow melts from the Apennine peaks, the landscape bursts into life — rolling green hills, wildflower-strewn meadows, and crystal-clear rivers create a painterly backdrop for exploration. In Abruzzo, national parks like Gran Sasso and Majella invite hikers and nature lovers to experience rare wildlife and breathtaking mountain views, while Molise’s quiet medieval villages, such as Carpinone and Agnone, offer a slower rhythm steeped in tradition. Spring festivals celebrating local food, cheese, and olive oil fill the air with warmth and community spirit. With mild weather, fewer tourists, and the countryside in full bloom, Molise and Abruzzo in the spring offer an intimate encounter with Italy’s rural heart — where old-world charm and natural beauty live in perfect harmony.
Presented by the Cleveland Museum of Art
Special tour sponsored by Phil~italy Cultural Exchanges
Ticket Required so please rsvp at 917.523.9068 asap
Sunday, January 18th, 2026 2 PM
Location: Cleveland Museum of Art,
Meet in the Atrium for a pre tour caffè at 2pm. Tour starts soon after.
Click here for more information
Plan your trip to Italy. Text or email Phil to arrange a 30-minute introductory appointment at +1.917.523.9068 cell/WhatsApp - [email protected]
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