The Epiphany and La Befana

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Joanne Natale Spigonardo

January 5, 2026

What I love most about the feast of the Epiphany is that Christmas is not over.  For me it is just beginning.  It is the realization that the joy that the baby Jesus brings is a foundation of the New Year and what lies ahead.  It is the reminder to continue to find happiness every day and bring that positive energy to others.

The Nativity Scene – The Vatican

My fondest memories of La Befana go back to Italy when I was a little girl and lived with my grandparents for a few months, before we immigrated to the United States.  My grandmother would fill my old socks with chestnuts and tangerines and sometimes small chocolates.  It was a surprise on the morning of January 6th. At that time the Epiphany was a holy day of obligation, and we always went to Mass after we opened our stockings.  We always made strufolli for dessert.  Strufolli are delectable honey balls decorated with sprinkles and are traditional for the Christmas holidays in Naples.

Strufolli di Napoli

La Befana is a Christmas Witch who delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5, the eve of the Epiphany. I know she is coming to my house tonight. She is much like Santa Claus, but is not a cheery jolly man, she is traditionally depicted as a soot-covered grandmotherly figure flying on a broomstick, wearing a tattered shawl and a kerchief. According to legend, the Three Wise Men stopped at her home to ask for directions to Bethlehem.  She was too busy sweeping the floor and didn’t go with them. She later regretted her choice and set out with a bag of sweets to find the Christ child. Unable to locate Him, she continues her search every year, leaving treats for every child she encounters in hopes of finding Him.

Regatta of the Befane – Venice

In modern-day Italy, the holiday is celebrated with a blend of family tradition and large-scale public festivals. Children still get fruit, nuts and small toys in their stockings, and traditionally leave a piece of bread for La Befana to sustain her on her long journey. Public festivals include the Cavalcade of the Magi in Florence, the traditional bonfires of the Befana in Umbria, and the fabulous Regatta Delle Befane in Venice where rowers in costume race down the Grand Canal. In Rome’s Piazza Navona, the festivities culminate in a vibrant market and a dramatic appearance by La Befana, who often descends from high buildings with the help of local firefighters. Beyond the gifts, her broom serves as a powerful symbol of sweeping away the problems of the previous year, and bringing good things for the New Year.

Cavalcade of the Magi – Florence

I hope you find good things in your stockings, and continue to find the joy that Christmas brings the whole year through.  Wishing you health and happiness in 2026!

About the Author

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty.  She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Na

Published by spigonaj

Joanne Spigonardo Business Development Consultant Specializing in Sustainability, Higher Education, Career Management, and Public Relations In her former roles, Joanne served as Senior Associate Director at the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at Wharton. Joanne was also part of the Communications Office. She held positions as business manager of the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists and for the Wharton Alumni Magazine. Joanne also served as the media relations coordinator. When with Alitalia Airlines, Joanne worked as a sales representative. Joanne graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a BA and later graduated from the Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education. She has a strong background in development, management, marketing, and Italian language and culture. As a Wharton Mentor, she coached new employees on professional development, and is active in Penn’s Grievance panels. Joanne was on the board of governors for the University Club. Joanne is chair of the Delaware County Penn Alumni Interview Program and oversees alumni volunteers. As an alum of Penn and Wharton, and also a parent of two Penn graduates, she is a strong advocate in promoting Penn. At Wharton IGEL, Joanne had been in partnership with GreenBiz, Sustainable Brands, the Ethical Corporation, Pira Packaging International, Public Relations Society of America, the Green Sports Alliance, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, the Italian Consulate, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Sonoma County Winegrowers Association, and the Nature Conservancy, as well as, many other NGO and government offices. She has brokered hundreds of corporate relationships for Wharton. Joanne is the author of her book, White Widow, published on Kindle and Amazon. The book is a fictional novel about 19th-20th Century Italian immigrants. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB

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