Italy marks 6 January with a public holiday.
Rome's festive season comes to an end on Monday 6 January, a national public holiday in Italy, with the arrival of La Befana in Piazza Navona in the city's historic centre.
The event, which begins at 10.30, will see the witch-like character "fly" into the piazza from the belltower of the church of S. Agnese in Agone, against the backdrop of live music performed by the Italian fire brigade band.
A firefighter dressed as La Befana will glide through the sky on a broomstick, dishing out sweets to children in the piazza below.
With the help of Rome firefighters, La #Befana flies into Piazza Navona on her broomstick and hands out sweets to children. #befana2023 pic.twitter.com/xWfxije6Bl
— Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) January 6, 2023
The family-friendly event marks the end of the festive season in Rome and comes on the last day of the Christmas market in Piazza Navona.
Each year on 6 January, Italy celebrates the religious feast of the Epiphany, or the more popular folklore version of La Befana.
In the Bible tradition the Epiphany is when the Three Wise Men arrive in Bethlehem bearing gifts for Baby Jesus on the 12th day of Christmas.
The fairytale version however tells that the wise men invited a witch-like woman, or strega, to join them on their journey to bring gifts to the Christ child.
She refused initially, being too busy with housework, but then tried to follow them. Unable to find Jesus, the kind-hearted Befana gave the toys to other children.
#Befana magic in Piazza Navona #Rome pic.twitter.com/aeRVFYD1xE
— Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) January 6, 2023
Despite the modern tradition of Santa Claus, La Befana remains adored by Italian children who hang up their stockings in anticipation of presents on the night between 5 and 6 January.
La Befana is most associated with central Italy and Rome but the custom spread to the rest of the country during the 20th century.
Another event in Rome on the day, Viva la Befana, takes place between Via della Conciliazione and St Peter's Square at 10.00.
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