While in many countries Christmas ends with the arrival of the Three Kings, in Italy there is still one last visit to come.
On the night of January 5–6, thousands of children hang stockings by the fireplace, a window, or some other special spot in the house. Before going to sleep, they imagine an old woman flying across the night sky on a broomstick loaded with candy and gifts.
That old woman is the Befana, one of the most beloved figures of the Italian holiday season.
At first glance, she might look like a witch straight out of a fairy tale. She wears a headscarf, is dressed in worn-out clothes, and rides an old broom. However, far from inspiring fear, she represents the generosity, tradition, and excitement that accompany millions of Italian families at the start of every new year.
But who is the Befana really? Where does this curious tradition come from? And, above all, why does she remain so popular centuries after her origins?
Who is the Befana?
The Befana is a traditional figure from Italian folklore associated with the feast of the Epiphany.
According to legend, she visits homes in the early morning hours of January 6 to leave gifts and sweets for children who have been good. For those who haven’t behaved well, she leaves coal.
Luckily for the little ones, these days that coal is usually just a treat made with sugar and black food coloring.
Although many people describe her as an Italian witch, the Befana has nothing to do with the evil witches of classic fairy tales. Her role is completely different. She is a kind, protective figure deeply connected to family traditions.
In Italy, the arrival of the Befana marks the definitive end of the Christmas celebrations.
In fact, there is a popular Italian saying that goes:
“L’Epifania tutte le feste porta via.”
In other words:
“Epiphany takes all the holidays away.”
The Origin of the Befana: A Tradition with Centuries of History
Although today the Befana is associated with Christianity, her roots seem to be much older.
Some historians believe that this tradition may have originated from ancient agricultural celebrations dating back to Roman times. During the winter, rituals were held related to the fertility of the land and the beginning of a new harvest cycle.
Over the centuries, these folk customs became intertwined with Christian festivities.
The word “Befana” itself comes from “Epiphany,” the celebration commemorating the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus.
The linguistic transformation was gradual:
Epiphany → Epifania → Bifania → Befana
This is how the name by which this character is known throughout Italy today came to be.
The legend linking the Befana to the Three Wise Men
The best-known story about the Befana begins precisely with the Three Wise Men.
Legend has it that, while traveling to Bethlehem guided by the star, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar got lost.
During their journey, they came upon an old woman’s house and asked her how to continue on their way.
The woman pointed them in the right direction, and the Three Kings invited her to join them.
However, she declined the invitation because she had too much work to do at home.
When the Three Wise Men left, the old woman began to regret her decision.
She thought she might have just missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
So she packed a basket full of sweets and went out to look for them.
He walked for days trying to find them, but he never succeeded.
Since then, according to tradition, the Befana has continued to travel the world every year in search of the Baby Jesus. As she continues her search, she leaves small gifts for all the children she meets along the way.
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The Legend of Artaban, the Fourth Wise Man
It is said that, in addition to Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar, there was a fourth wise man from the East namedArtaban.
Artaban was a Persian sage who, like the other Magi, observed the star in the sky that heralded the birth of the Messiah. Upon understanding its meaning, he decided to set out on a journey to Bethlehem to pay homage to him.
When Does the Befana Arrive?
The Befana visits homes on the night of January 5–6.
Italian children usually hang up large stockings to receive their gifts. Some also leave a small snack for the elderly traveler, just as is done in other countries with Santa Claus or the Three Kings.
The next morning, they discover what she has left for them.
The excitement is very similar to what millions of children experience at Christmas.
However, for Italians, it has a special meaning because it marks the end of the holidays.
How the Befana Is Celebrated in Italy
The tradition is observed throughout the country, although some cities celebrate it with particular enthusiasm.
During the first few days of January, it’s common to see:
- Themed markets.
- Christmas fairs.
- Traditional parades.
- Historical reenactments.
- Children’s activities.
- Handing out candy and sweets.
One of the most famous places to experience this celebration is Rome’s Piazza Navona.
Every year, it fills with stalls, shows, and activities related to the Befana, making it one of the most visited spots during Epiphany.
In many towns, it’s also common to see people dressed as the Befana handing out candy to children.
What gifts does the Befana leave?
Unlike other Christmas figures, the Befana doesn’t usually bring extravagant gifts.
Traditionally, she leaves simple little gifts such as:
- Chocolates.
- Candy.
- Nuts.
- Small toys.
- Children’s books.
- Cookies.
- Sugar candy.
The essence of this tradition has never been the monetary value of the gifts.
What matters is keeping the magic alive and passing on values such as generosity and gratitude.
Befana and Santa Claus: Two Very Different Traditions
Although both figures deliver gifts, there are important differences.
The Befana
- She arrives on the night of January 5–6.
- She rides a broomstick.
- She looks like an old woman.
- She is associated with Epiphany.
- It’s a typically Italian tradition.
Santa Claus
- He arrives on the night of December 24.
- He travels by sleigh.
- He lives at the North Pole.
- He is associated with Christmas.
- He has an international presence.
Many Italian families enjoy both traditions without considering them incompatible.
Children receive some gifts at Christmas and others when the Befana visits.
Why is the Befana still so beloved?
At a time when many traditions are disappearing or changing, the Befana has managed to stay alive.
The reason goes far beyond the gifts.
She embodies values deeply rooted in Italian culture:
- The importance of family.
- The passing down of traditions from one generation to the next.
- Generosity.
- Hope.
- Cultural identity.
Furthermore, it offers something that few traditions have managed to preserve intact: the ability to surprise children without resorting to elaborate tricks.
All it takes is a story, a broom, and a sock hanging up to keep the magic alive.
Fun facts about the Befana that you may not have known
There’s a popular song dedicated to her
Millions of Italians know the song:
“La Befana comes at night with her shoes all worn out…”
It’s sung especially during the days leading up to Epiphany.
Her appearance varies by region
Although she is always depicted as an elderly woman, her attire may vary depending on the region of Italy.
She has her own holiday
In many Italian cities, events are organized exclusively in honor of the Befana.
She is one of the oldest figures in European Christmas traditions
Her possible pre-Christian roots make her one of the oldest festive figures still present in popular culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Befana
Is the Befana a witch?
Yes, she is usually depicted as an old witch. However, she is a kind and protective figure who brings gifts to children.
What does the word “Befana” mean?
It comes from the word “Epiphany,” which over time evolved into “Befana.”
Where is the Befana celebrated?
Mainly in Italy, although Italian communities around the world also keep this tradition alive.
What does the Befana leave for the children?
She usually leaves candy, small gifts, and candy coal.
Are the Befana and the Three Wise Men the same thing?
No. Although both traditions are related to Epiphany, the Befana is a figure unique to Italian folklore.
A tradition that continues to fill Italian homes with magic
The Befana is much more than just a quirky Christmas witch. She is a figure who brings together history, religion, popular culture, and family traditions in a single celebration.
Every year, as dawn breaks on January 6, millions of Italian children look into their stockings with the same excitement their parents and grandparents once felt.
And perhaps that is the true secret of the Befana: her ability to keep the magic alive from one generation to the next.
Did you know about this Italian tradition? Tell us which Christmas character is the most popular in your country, and share this article with those who enjoy discovering fascinating customs from other cultures.
The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story (in English)
*La Befana*, written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, is a beautiful adaptation of one of Italy’s most popular Christmas legends. Through warm illustrations and simple storytelling, the book tells the story of an elderly woman who spends her days sweeping her house until one night she sees a shining star and encounters the Three Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem.
Driven by curiosity and regret at not having accompanied them from the start, the Befana sets out on a quest that will become a centuries-old tradition. This book conveys values such as generosity, hope, and the importance of second chances, making it an essential read for discovering the origin of the famous Italian witch who distributes gifts to children every January 6.
