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| La Befana, thanks to 'Eventi e Sagre' for this image |
Here in Italy, Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) is a recently imported tradition. It is La Befana, instead, who comes down through the chimney, bringing a stocking with sweets and small presents. She is a sort of good witch and a bit of an eccentric elderly lady, flying on her old broomstick through the sky at night. She comes on the 6th of January bearing gifts of sweets for those that are good and bits of charcoal for those naughty children. Adults have great fun with this tradition by setting the scene and building up the anticipation for their children and grandchildren the night before.
The origins of La Befana can be linked to the Goddess Diana in ancient Roman times, and could even date back as far as 4,000 years ago.
In Rome, there is a traditional Christmas market in Piazza Navona, that I remember going to as a child. Still today has plenty of Befane strolling around the piazza, while children eat zucchero filato (fairy floss) or mostaccioli, traditional Roman biscuits simply made out of flour, honey and walnuts.
In Rome, there is a traditional Christmas market in Piazza Navona, that I remember going to as a child. Still today has plenty of Befane strolling around the piazza, while children eat zucchero filato (fairy floss) or mostaccioli, traditional Roman biscuits simply made out of flour, honey and walnuts.
Chef Guido, Sally from Convivio Rome have been offering Rome Day Trips, Rome Olive Tours, Rome Wine Tours, Italian Cooking Classes and Italian Culinary Vacations in the Sabine Hills since 2006 and also Virtual online Italian Cooking Classes since March 2020. Find out more on the links below:
