A uniquely Italian tradition is La Befana. Legend has it that on their way to see the baby Jesus the wise men stopped and asked an old woman for directions. She did not know where the baby was but the Magi stayed the night and invited her to go with them to find him. She declined but later changed her mind and was unable to find them. Thus every January 5th La Befana visits all of the children of Italy and leaves gifts in the stockings that are still hung on the chimney.
In Ravenna La Befana is played by gentleman in the -whatelse- Vespa Club!
They appear in the Piazza del Popolo and hand out treats to the children. Now unfortunately we were not there for the grand entrance because wildman took a tumble down the stairs and we had to clean up blood and swelling. When will the boy learn that he has limitations? But the old ladies were still there dancing and laughing when we finally made it to the Piazza del Popolo. Wildman loved every minute of it and E-rie was okay as long as La Befana didn't talk to her, of course.
sorry for the fuzziness- those dancing old ladies were hard to catch!
looking no worse for the wear
After walking around town looking at the Nativity scenes (that now include the Magi) we headed home and ran into a gypsy band singing the La Befana song.
Happy Day!
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