The Befana was originally symbol of the past year, a year now as old as the Befana herself. The gifts the old lady brought were symbols of good luck for the new year. Thus, even the tradition of San Benedetto del Tronto has its own popular Befana. In fact, the traditional event returns every year from the old house in the coastal town of San Benedetto del Tronto. “Bring the Befana to the Bell”. In particular, more witches will descend from the top of the Gualtieri Tower in the charming Paese Alto to give emotions, not only to the little ones.
The annual appointment with the Befana
Now in its twentieth year, this traditional Christmas event featuring the Befana, organized by the La Rocca Cultural Association, consistently draws large participation from San Benedetto del Tronto and beyond. This demonstrates the desire to get together and have fun. to experience the last day of the Christmas holidays in one of the most characteristic and symbolic points of the city.
All those present, with their noses in the air, watch to the descent of some witches who, astride their ever-present brooms, descend from the top of the Tower. And they carry a sack full of gifts on their shoulders for all children in Sackville Square, accompanied by music and light shows. While for the older ones, mulled wine and free tastings of typical Christmas sweets. Furthermore, the show features the participation of jugglers and goblins who will try their hand at various acrobatics while waiting for the Epiphany.
Traditional
In Italy, the figure of the Befana is quite popular, especially in the Apennine regions of the peninsula. While in other countries, the custom of filling stockings on the night between January 5th and 6th is very rare. In Christian tradition, the story of the Befana is closely linked to that of the Three KingsIn fact, it recalls their visit to the Baby Jesus. But what is the connection? And what is the true story of the Befana? The origins of this legendary figure are difficult to trace, as she is a character entwined with pagan and pre-Christian traditions.
The legend of the Befana
But legend has it that on a freezing winter night, Balthasar, Gaspar, and Melchior, on their long journey to Bethlehem to see Baby Jesus, unable to find their way, asked an old woman for directions, who showed them the way. The Three Wise Men then invited the woman to join them. But despite their insistence, the old woman refused. Once the Three Wise Men had left, she regretted not following them. So she packed a sack full of sweets and began searching for them, but to no avail. So, the old lady began to knock on every door, giving sweets to every child she met., in the hope that one of them was Baby Jesus himself.
So every year on the evening of theEpiphany (a term that derives from the Greek and means manifestation in the person of Jesus) the Befana sets out in search of Jesus and stops at every house where there is a child to leave a gift if he has been good, or coal if he has been naughty.
Thanks for the cover image: Facebook – Circolo dei Sambenedettesi
