The Roman Catholic festivity of Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th. Although it’s religious significance is that of revelation to the world of the coming of Jesus, this festivity has also very strong popular roots and is represented by what in Italy is called the “Befana” (that is also the name of the festivity in the Italian language). This old, ugly lady dressed with torn and very poor clothes comes flying on the back of a broom. Although her appearance is that of a witch, she has a good heart. She comes to reward the good children with small presents like candies of all sorts and small toys, and to bring coal to the bad children, as an admonition and exhortation to behave during the coming year. Often times a relative or a friend dresses up with a mask and appropriate clothing to make an appearance as the “Befana” for the youngest children. Fear and bewilderment mix up in children, which are happy to receive their presents and do not recognize the relative who’s carrying them. Other times, but this is a more international custom, the “Befana” during the night fills the stockings that are left hanging by the fireplace. It is hard to recover the origins of this figure, which has a mix of pagan and mythological origins. Traditionally the figure of “Befana” is burnt, as a small puppet or a huge one in town fairs. The reason might lay in the fact that on January 6th was celebrated the rebirth of nature, dying as an old lady and reborn from it’s own ashes as a young self.
There are many happenings scheduled for the 2010 Epiphany in Tuscany. Since the 6th of January 2010 is falling on a Thursday, there is going to be a long weekend to enjoy day tours and relaxing days at a thermal spa or in a romantic bed and breakfast in the Tuscan countryside.
The entire Tuscan region during the days of the 5th and 6th celebrates with events and town fairs. Among the most significant ones is the Wise Men on Horse in Florence. The three kings will arrive on horse at the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore after departing from Piazza Pitti and passing by Piazza della Signoria. The parade will stop to bring presents to Christ in the living nativity scene.
Pistoia and its firefighters create great expectation with their “rescue of the Befana”! Each year this event attracts more than 7000 people from everywhere. The poor old lady after loosing control of the broom, winds up on the belfry of the cathedral of Pistoia. After asking for help everywhere she starts calling for the firefighters, that come running in the square with their emergency engine! After securing her, she comes “flying” down in the square where she distributes sweets and candies to children.
The Christmas holidays are almost over, and Epiphany will close these special days of the year. Take advantage of these days to make a short trip to Tuscany to recharge your batteries for a powerful 2010!
This article is also referenced from this page Pisa Hotels.
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