Italian Customs: La Befana
- Richard & Caleigh Allen
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
Italy’s Beloved Witch Who Brings the Holidays to a Close
In Italy, Christmas doesn’t truly end on December 25—or even January 1. It ends when an old woman on a broomstick comes knocking.
Her name is La Befana, and every year on January 6, she sweeps through Italian homes, fills children’s stockings, and gently ushers the Christmas season out the door.
It’s strange. It’s charming. And it’s deeply Italian.
Who Is La Befana?
La Befana is an elderly woman, often pictured wearing a shawl and apron, flying on a broomstick with a sack over her shoulder. At first glance, she might look like a witch—but don’t let that fool you.
She’s kind, motherly, and a little blunt. She doesn’t sparkle. She doesn’t rush. She simply shows up—faithfully, year after year.
In many ways, she’s Italy’s answer to Santa Claus… just a few centuries older. (Some say the tradition of Babo Natale, or Father Christmas, didn't come until Coca-Cola introduced him to Italy 40 years ago)
Where Did La Befana Come From?
La Befana’s story is a blend of ancient folklore and Christian tradition.
Ancient Roots
Long before Christianity, ancient Romans marked the beginning of January as a time tied to the agricultural cycle—the end of the old year and hope for renewal. An elderly woman symbolized the past harvest and the turning of time.
Even as religions changed, this image endured.
The Christian Story
Christian tradition later connected La Befana to the Three Wise Men.
According to legend, the Magi stopped at her home while searching for the baby Jesus. They asked her to come with them—but she refused, saying she was too busy cleaning.
Later, filled with regret, she set out to find Him. She never did.
So instead, she visits every child she can, leaving gifts—hoping that one of them might be Him.
It’s a story of humility, repentance, and perseverance—and it explains why La Befana travels at night, quietly, without fanfare.
What Does La Befana Bring?
On the night of January 5, Italian children hang a stocking (la calza) by the fireplace or bed.
By morning, La Befana has filled it with:
🍬 Candy and sweets
🧸 Small toys
🪨 Carbone (coal) for misbehaving children
But don’t worry—the “coal” is almost always sweet black sugar candy.
La Befana isn’t harsh. She’s honest—but affectionate.
How Italians Celebrate La Befana Today
At Home
Families keep the celebration simple:
Stockings instead of big presents
A quiet, cozy morning
Often the last indulgence before returning to routine
It feels less commercial and more intimate than Christmas.
In Towns and Cities
Across Italy, you’ll find:
Street markets
Festivals
People dressed as La Befana
Sweets, toys, and laughter
Rome’s Piazza Navona hosts the most famous celebration, but nearly every town has its own version.
A National Holiday
January 6 (L’Epifania) is a public holiday in Italy. Schools are closed, and many families take the day to rest, visit relatives, or take down Christmas decorations.
There’s even a saying:
“L’Epifania tutte le feste porta via.” Epiphany takes all the holidays away.
Why Italians Still Love La Befana
La Befana endures because she represents something deeply human:
Faithfulness over flash
Kindness without perfection
Tradition without pressure
She doesn’t demand attention. She doesn’t promise magic. She simply comes—year after year—bringing warmth, closure, and a gentle reminder that every ending carries hope.
A Quiet Goodbye to Christmas
So if you feel bad about getting rid of your Christmas decorations on December 31st, or even December 26th, then you can rejoice in knowing that the Italian custom to keep them up for a few extra days. In Italy, Christmas doesn’t fade out—it’s ushered along by an old woman with a broom.
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