What is the difference between La Befana and Babbo Natale?
Dates, Gift Giving and Festive Figures Italy’s Santa Claus, Babbo Natale is becoming popular within Italy, with an increase in gift giving on the 25th of December. La Befana is an old woman who brings gifts to children on the 6th January, the date of the Epiphany.
Why do Italians call Santa Babbo Natale?
For children in Italy, the jolly man bearing gifts is called Babbo Natale — he’s an Italian version of Father Christmas, but rarely found in the southern half of Italy. “Babbo Natale is really someone who came from the northern part of Europe,” said Betta Alinovi.
Do Italians in Italy celebrate Natale?
After what is thought of as a light dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day is all about feasting. However, nowadays many Italian families celebrate Christmas with gifts from ‘Babbo Natale,’ Italy’s Father Christmas. Some families wait until the ‘Epifania’ or Epiphany on January 6th to exchange gifts.
How is Babbo Natale significant to Christmas in Italy?
On Christmas Eve, as in the old Catholic tradition, often no food is eaten during the day as this is a fast day. The festive celebrations start after midnight mass. Nowadays, ‘Babbo Natale’, the Father Christmas, brings presents to children on Christmas eve.
What is Befana Italy?
In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats on the morning of the Epiphany, January 6. In Italy, the Epiphany marks the official end of the Christmas season, commemorating the day when the three Wise Men arrived at the manger bearing gifts.
What do Italians leave for La Befana?
Italians say that Befana is still searching for that baby and, on her quest, she leaves treats such as toys and candy or fruit for well-behaved children. Naughty children get chunks of coal, onions, and garlic, or even a straw from her broom instead of rewards.
How do Italians celebrate 3 Kings Day?
The people of Florence also celebrate the Epiphany with the annual Cavalcade of the Magi, a re-enactment of the arrival of the Magi (Three Wise Men) while in Montescaglioso, in the Matera region in Southern Italy, figures dressed in black, with big bushy beards, parade through the streets on 5 January with lighted …
What do you leave for Befana?
What is the main religion in Italy?
Roman Catholic
Italy is officially a secular state. However, its religious and social landscape is deeply influenced by the Roman Catholic tradition. Indeed, the epicentre and government of the Catholic Church (the Vatican) and its leader (the Pope) are located in Rome.