The Befana in Rome: celebrating Epiphany the traditional way
In Italy, the Befana is one of the most beloved and awaited holidays, especially for children, who excitedly run to discover their stockings full of sweets and surprises on the morning of January 6th.
But even adults can’t resist the charm of this tradition, which symbolically closes the Christmas period.
If you’re staying at Rome Airport Inn, you’re in the perfect place to experience the magic of Epiphany: with our strategic location near Fiumicino Airport and convenient connections to the center of Rome, you can enjoy a unique experience full of folklore, authentic flavors, and the timeless beauty of the Capital.
But who is the Befana?
And why does she bring sweets to well-behaved children and coal to naughty ones?
The Origins of the Befana Legend
The Befana is a typical figure in Italian folklore. According to the legend, she is a kind old woman who, riding her broomstick in the night before dawn on January 6th, visits homes, bringing gifts and sweets to good children and a bit of coal (often sweetened) to naughty ones.
Her name probably comes from the distortion of the word “Epiphany,” which means “revelation” and refers to the day when Jesus is revealed to the world, symbolized by the three Wise Men who brought him gifts and worshipped him. But what links this old woman to the three wise men from the East?
It is said that the Wise Men, on their way to Bethlehem, asked directions from an elderly woman they met along the road, inviting her to join them to visit the Savior. However, she was too busy with her chores and refused.
Later, she regretted her decision and began searching for them, bringing with her a sack full of sweets to distribute to all the children in the hope that one of them would be the baby Jesus. Since then, every year, the Befana makes her journey, bringing joy and a touch of magic.
This is the Christian version of the beloved old woman’s story. However, her origins actually go back in time and are rooted in the ancient Roman pagan traditions and pre-Christian popular beliefs. Her figure seems to recall ancient agrarian rituals tied to the cycle of nature and the start of the new year.
Did you know? The tradition says the Befana brings sweetened coal to naughty children as a warning, but in some parts of Italy, she is also a symbol of abundance and fertility!
What to do with children in Rome during Epiphany?
If you’re looking for things to do with children in Rome during the Befana celebrations, here are some events not to be missed.
Visit the Piazza Navona Christmas Market and Wait for the Befana’s Descent
The strategic location of the Rome Airport Inn, near Fiumicino Airport and well-connected to central Rome, allows you to easily reach the main attractions. In just 30 minutes by train, you can immerse yourself in the magic of the Christmas market in Piazza Navona, where children can experience the enchanting atmosphere of the Befana. Piazza Navona is the iconic location for this holiday in the capital. Here, among the Christmas lights and the splendor of the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the city’s most famous market comes to life, with stalls offering stockings of all kinds, typical sweets, toys, and artisanal products.
The little ones can enjoy puppet shows, ride one of the traditional carousel horses, or participate in creative workshops organized by the Libraries of Rome. All this while waiting for the morning of January 6th, the highlight of the celebrations at Piazza Navona. At 10:00 AM, everyone will be looking up to spot the beloved old woman on the rooftops and chimneys, ready to descend on her broom to personally bring sweet gifts to the children.
Follow the Wise Men on Via della Conciliazione
Afterward, head to Via della Conciliazione, where a colorful procession with traditional costumes, flag bearers, horses, bands, and living nativity scenes will accompany the Wise Men to the Vatican to present their gifts to Pope Francis. This event, called “Viva la Befana,” is in its 38th edition, coinciding with the Jubilee year.
Participate in the Toy Race
Meanwhile, on the Pincio Terrace, in the heart of Villa Borghese, the Toy Race will take place. This non-competitive event serves a charitable purpose. To participate, all you need to do is bring a toy, even used, in good condition, which will be donated to institutions for abandoned children and pediatric wards in Roman hospitals.
What to Do in Fiumicino on Epiphany
In Fiumicino, we celebrate Epiphany in grand style, along with the days leading up to the arrival of the beloved Befana.
Saturday, January 4
In Maccarese, at the gardens of Castello San Giorgio, children can participate in various games and activities.
Sunday, January 5
At 2:30 PM, meet near Ponte 2 Giugno, where a boat will be waiting to set sail. Onboard, there will be fairy tales and games for kids and their families, offering a unique afternoon exploring the waters of the Tiber around Isola Sacra.
At 4:00 PM, in Piazza dei Bonificatori, the traditional “Befana Isolana” event will take place, featuring a tasting of beans with pork rind, sweets, and wine.
Later, at 6:00 PM, in the Parish of Sant’Antonio in Maccarese, you can enjoy the grand “Befana Bonfire.”
Monday, January 6
From 11:00 AM onwards, in Via di Torre Clementina, you can enjoy dance performances, browse stalls with local handcrafted goods, and let your children have fun with the entertainment provided by the local Pro Loco association.
Book your stay at the Rome Airport Inn and experience the magic of Epiphany in Rome and Fiumicino!
