In Tuscany on January 6, La Befana descends from the bell towers and facades to bring good wishes and sweets to children.
You can see La Befana descend from the bell tower of Pistoia Cathedral or from Palazzo Aldobrandeschi in Grosseto, under the watchful care of the local Fire Departments.
La Befana likewise flies into Florence’s Piazza della Repubblica on the afternoon of January 6, descending from the archway to hand out candy and sweets to little spectators.
In Mugello, rather, she arrives aboard a steam train! La Befana’s train departs Florence each year on the morning of January 6 from the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, arriving in San Piero a Sieve in the late morning, where the traditional Epifania celebration is scheduled.
The tradition of La Befana is strongly celebrated throughout the Garfagnana and Media Valle del Serchio. Many are the tributes dedicated to this beloved figure from Italian folklore, including the well-known La Befana songs, known as the Canti di Questua. Groups of children and adults masquerading as La Befana go from house to house to sing and to receive sweets, drinks or small gifts in return. In Barga, tradition has it that, once the round of traditional songs is over, everyone heads to Piazza Angelio to stand around a large bonfire for a dizzying circle dance!
