Arriva la Befana! The Befana is coming!

As part of the Liverpool European Christmas Trail, this event invites you into one of Italy’s most beloved festive traditions.

Under the veil of the night between the 5th and the 6th of January, as the Christmas festivities draw to a close, a mystical character known as La Befana takes centre stage in Italy. This magical day is none other than the Epiphany.

La Befana is an old lady, armed with a trusty broom, who embarks on a wondrous journey to deliver chocolates and sweets. The children, in anticipation of La Befana's visit, prepare at the end of their beds their biggest socks, ready to be filled with all the delicious presents (and, perhaps, a sprinkle of coal for those who dared to be a bit naughty... But no worries! The coal is made of sugar too!!).

In the echoes of the festive air, a well-loved nursery rhyme resounds: 'The Befana comes at night with her shoes all broken, with the Roman-style pointy hat. Long live the Befana'!.

This magical afternoon includes:

• Befana's story, readings, songs and activities
• Refreshments
• A surprise! Presents and sweets from the Befana. (Have you been good?! Otherwise it would be coal instead... but no worries, it's made of sugar anyway!!)

Sotto il velo della notte tra il 5 e il 6 gennaio, mentre le festivita' natalizie volgono al termine, un personaggio mistico conosciuto con il nome di Befana diventa protagonista in Italia.

Questo giorno magico non e' altro che l'Epifania. La Befana e' una vecchia signora, armata di una fidata scopa, che intraprende un viaggio meraviglioso per consegnare cioccolatini e caramelle. I bambini, in attesa della visita della Befana, preparano al fondo del loro letto le loro calze piu' grandi, pronte per essere riempite di tutti i deliziosi regali (e, forse, un pizzico di carbone per chi ha osato essere un po' birichino... ma non vi preoccupate! Anche il carbone e' fatto di zucchero!!).

Negli echi dell'aria di festa risuona una filastrocca molto amata: 'la Befana viene di notte con le scarpe tutte rotte, col cappello alla romana, Viva Viva La Befana'!.

Liverpool European Christmas Trail is coordinated by the Liverpool European Partnership, funded by the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund and supported by Liverpool City Council.

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Host or Publisher Liverpool European Partnership