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The Christmas season in Italy goes for
three weeks, starting 8 days before Christmas known as the
Novena. During this period, children go from house to house
reciting Christmas poems and singing. In some parts shepherds (bagpipers)
bring musical instruments into the villages, play and sing
Christmas songs.
 In
Italy the children wait until Epiphany, January 6, for their
presents.
According to tradition, the presents are delivered by a kind
ugly witch called Befana on a broomstick. It was said that she
was told by the three kings that the baby Jesus was born, she
was busy and delayed visiting the baby.
She missed the Star lost her way and has been flying around ever
since, leaving presents at every house with children in case he
is there. She slides down chimneys, and fills stockings and
shoes with good things for good children and it is said leaves
coal for children who are not so good.
The Befana Story
In Disney Epcot Center |
