Epiphany or Befana
Description:
In Italian cities there is a fabulous festival atmosphere. The symbol of this holiday is the good witch Befan. The image of Befana is very ancient, it exists since pre-Christian times, although the tradition itself is purely Christian: Befana brings gifts to children in memory of the gifts that the Magi brought to the baby Jesus.
According to legend, on this night a good witch descends on her broomstick into the house through a pipe, and leaves the guests to the children in their stockings. To the obedient and the good - candy, candles, sweets, and the naughty - black coals. These coals are made from dyed sugar. They are sweet, but they really look like charcoal. These “gifts” are sold in many stores.
In Rome on January 6, a one-day Epiphany Fair is held, where sweets and souvenirs are sold, a festive camp is set up in the city center, and in Venice a costumed boat procession is arranged through the city canals.