La Befana vien di notte
Con le scarpe tutte rotte
Col vestito alla romana
Viva, Viva la Befana!
The Befana comes by night
With her shoes all tattered and torn
She comes dressed in the Roman way
Long live the Befana!
Every Italian child grows up hearing stories of La Befana.
For many families throughout Italy, January 6th — the Feast of the Epiphany — has long carried just as much meaning as Christmas Day itself. Growing up, La Befana always felt like the true ending of the holiday season: quieter, simpler, and rooted far more in tradition, family, and reflection than in lavish gift-giving.
While Christmas celebrations on December 25th became increasingly widespread throughout Southern Europe over the years, La Befana has existed in Italian folklore for centuries. In fact, Babbo Natale (Father Christmas/Santa Claus) was not widely recognized throughout Italy until around the time of World War II, whereas stories of La Befana date back as far as the 13th century — with variations of her legend appearing across different parts of Europe.
La Befana represents something beautifully humble:
- new beginnings,
- kindness,
- home,
- family traditions,
- and appreciation for life’s simpler gestures.
And yes… usually a bit of candy too.
For those unfamiliar with the story, La Befana is traditionally portrayed as an elderly woman — often symbolic of the common people and rural life — who was home sweeping on the eve of the Twelfth Night of Christmas when she was approached by the Three Magi, following the Star of Bethlehem in search of the newborn Christ child.
After welcoming and caring for the travelers, the Magi invited her to join them on their journey. At first, she declined, insisting she had too much housework to finish. But later, reconsidering, she gathered a few belongings — including wood for a fire — and set off to find them.
Despite traveling far and wide, she was never able to catch up to the Three Kings.
According to tradition, La Befana continues her search still today, flying across the night sky on her broom every Epiphany Eve. Along the way, she leaves sweets, fruit, and small gifts in the stockings or shoes of well-behaved children — believing that perhaps the Christ child may be found within any child she encounters. In some regions, less well-behaved children may instead receive coal, garlic, onions, or sticks.
Much like children leave milk and cookies for Santa Claus in other parts of the world, Italian families often prepare small offerings for La Befana before going to sleep — though traditionally these are more likely to include a small glass of wine and regional treats left near the fireplace.
One version of the story I heard growing up always stayed with me most.
By the time La Befana finally arrives in Bethlehem, the Three Kings have already presented their grand gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Mother Mary and the newborn Jesus. Embarrassed by her humble offering, La Befana apologizes for bringing only firewood gathered from the countryside.
But Mother Mary warmly accepts the gift, inviting the tired old woman to sit beside the fire that her wood would help create.
There is something deeply beautiful about that part of the story to me.
La Befana reminds us that meaningful gestures are not measured by extravagance. The tradition is less about material gifts and more about warmth, generosity, humility, and appreciation for the little things that bring people together during the winter season.
Today, La Befana is sometimes visually depicted as a friendly witch carrying a broom — likely due to her sweeping, humble appearance, and folkloric imagery. But unlike darker witch portrayals in Western folklore, La Befana is usually shown as warm, colorful, caring, and grandmotherly, often wearing a kerchief rather than a pointed hat.
To this day, La Befana remains one of Italy’s most cherished and uniquely atmospheric holiday traditions — a reminder that some of the most meaningful cultural experiences are often the ones rooted in storytelling, simplicity, and human connection.
For More Information:
Life’s Many Experiences 