Every year from the 4th to 6th of January, the town of Urbania in Le Marche becomes a fairy tale because of the tradition of “La Befana”! It is believed that on the eve of Jan 5th, Befana-an old witch, fills the socks of children with delicious gifts and treats. The town of Urbania celebrates this day in style! Additionally, January 6th also marks the Feast of Epiphany and signifies the end of Christmas holidays in Italy.
Celebrations galore in Urbania
Celebration of Festa della Befana
In the spirit of Befana, Urbania crafts a huge festival covered by national television. The town sets up a witch and her home and makes sure thousands of children come to see her! There are activities, games and workshops for children while adults enjoy traditional local food and wine. In Urbania there is a separate home created for La Befana which the town can visit to see. I had the pleasure to visit the setup of La Befana celebrations in Urbania only a few days after the celebration and it was quite intriguing!
The setup for Befana in Urbania
Read more here to find out about the festival of Befana.
Further Reading:
- Amalfi Must Do: Pasticceria Sal De Riso
- How to visit the Amalfi Coast from Salerno
- Basilica di Superga with the moon- una meraviglia
- The view from Vomero Hill, Naples
- Circumvesuviana train- easy way to explore Gulf Of Naples
- Experience of Staying in Piazza Garibaldi, Naples
9 Comments
5 Gorgeous Small Towns in Italy – Italophilia
June 6, 2020 at 10:52 pm[…] ceramics, it’s historically imposing Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace) and most of all it’s celebration of the festival La Befana that is telecast throughout Italy on the day of it’s celebration- January 6! The town is so so […]
marilyneb
January 23, 2019 at 7:45 pmI’d love to see this in Urbania. I have seen Rome’s La Befana parade (on the blog) and loved it. It was such fun and a great day. Even tasted sweet coal and brought a Befana to hang on our Christmas tree! It’s a nice way to extend Christmas and it coincides with my partner’s birthday!
Italophilia
January 26, 2019 at 12:24 pmI think you’d love the old town and the Palazzi there. How wonderful! Belated wishes to him. Hoping you are well. xx
Kamini Kapoor
December 31, 2018 at 4:50 amCiao Ishita:
I never heard of this tradition before. I also love Italy. Just came back from taking a pasta making class in Tuscany. Will be posting about it soon as I get a chance.
Kamini
Italophilia
January 3, 2019 at 6:20 pmCiao kamini! That’s wonderful. Please do share 🙂 happy your trip went great!
Tanja/The Red Phone Box travels
December 28, 2018 at 3:21 aminteresting tradition
Italophilia
January 3, 2019 at 6:19 pmIndeed! Happy 2019!
KareninCalabria
December 27, 2018 at 11:41 amLove all the “befane” on the bicycle!
Italophilia
January 3, 2019 at 6:19 pmMe too 😊 happy 2019!