06 Jan La Befana – Bright, Festive and a Little Witchy

La Befana arrives on the night of 5–6 January to close Italy’s Christmas season. She’s the kindly, broom‑riding figure who fills stockings with sweets for good children (and a lump of coal — usually candy — for the naughty). The story blends the Christian feast of the Epiphany with older winter rites: legend says the Three Wise Men invited an old woman to join them on their way to Bethlehem; she declined to finish her chores, later regretted it, and set off searching with gifts. She never found the Christ child, so every year she still searches, leaving presents for children instead.

On Epiphany morning, families wake to stockings or shoes filled with candy, Small toys, and fruit. Towns host parades, markets, and Befana fairs where costumed Befane hand out treats. The day mixes liturgy and Masses with street pageants and folk rituals, making it equal parts sacred, silly, and utterly Italian.

Is Epiphany a Public Holiday in Italy?

Yes — 6 January (Epiphany) is a national public holiday in Italy. Expect government offices, banks, and schools to be closed, while many tourist services and restaurants in major cities remain open or operate on reduced hours. Local Befana events, markets, and parades are common, so plan for altered transport schedules and possible crowds at public celebrations.