Sinterklaas in Italy: La Befana

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Do they also have a Sinterklaas in Italy? Yes, he is just not called Sinterklaas. And it's not a he, but a she. An ugly old witch, even. Her name is La Befana.

This Italian holiday is celebrated with Epiphany, on January 6. They call it Epifania and on the night of January 5-6 the witch La Befana flies around on her broomstick to stuff packages and sweets into children's socks. Unless you were naughty, of course. Then you will not get soot, but you will get soot. And maybe some charcoal.

Black with soot, but real

In Italy no black pete discussion, because Befana is just black with soot, because she comes through the chimney. Yes, her headscarf and dress are also stained with soot and ashes. Some claim that she is married to Santa Claus (Babbo Natale) and that she is assisting him with Epifania, because after all he was so busy with Christmas.

Sock on the mantelpiece

Although, busy. In Italy, children don't get a present in their sock at Christmas. But so with Epifania, if they have thought of hanging that sock on the mantelpiece. Or in another visible place, just like 'our' shoes. It helps if you leave something nice for her. For example, a glass of wine and an orange.

If you go to look the next morning, hopefully you will find a nice package in the sock. If you're unlucky, it's coals. You will usually find a bit of ash on the ground as well. You may even see her hand or footprint in the ashes. And that's all you see of her. A national entry like ours is therefore not necessary.

What about Saint Nicholas in Italy?

In parts of Northern Italy the Sinterklaas celebration is indeed celebrated. But then with cramps instead of Pieten. Have a look at this article.

And then there are the regions where many Dutch and Belgians live. Near Lake Maggiore, our own Sinterklaas just arrives with his parcel boat, or so we were told. See the video below.