Today in Italy we celebrate the religious feast of the Epiphany which has also become a popular festivity known as La Befana. It is a public holiday across Italy and marks the official end of the Christmas season. According to the Bible, the feast of the Epiphany is when the three magi arrive in Bethlehem to visit the Christ child, an event celebrated by Pope Francis with a Mass in St Peters Basilica at 10.00. In the popular fairytale version the story goes that the wise men invited a witch, or strega, to join them on their journey to bring gifts to the Christ child. She initially refused, but then tried to follow them. Unable to find Jesus she gave the toys to other children. In Rome children hang stockings by windows or fireplaces in anticipation of her visit to receive sweets if they’ve been good or coal if they have misbehaved. For almost a century the story has been reenacted each year in Piazza Navona, which hosts a series of cultural events — mainly aimed at children — throughout the day and at 5.30pm the three magi will arrive in the square on their horses. Also you can visit the presepe vivente (nativity scene with real characters) from 11.30am to 6pm at Palazzo Braschi. Source: Wanted in Rome
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 13:27:37 +0000
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