The Befana Festival of Pistoia

The ringing of the church bells brings good cheer and serenity to the hearts of both the adults and the children in Pistoia through the festive season. Yet as the fingers counting the days of the holidays near the end of the Christmas calendar, a feeling of sadness accompanies the imminent return to the daily routine of school and work.

However, after the New Year has arrived, there is still the celebration of Epiphany to look forward to on January 6th. In Italy, Epiphany is also the day when Befana the witch flies through the night on her broomstick bringing gifts to good children (naughty children can expect to receive only coal). However in Pistoia she makes an especially grand entrance into the Piazza Duomo much to the amusement of the gathered crowds.

In collaboration with the fire brigade, who need to rescue her after a problem with her broomstick, and of course her magic powers, Befana makes her descent from the top of the 66m high bell tower in the square. Then this much loved old lady fliest hrough the air on her broomstick to the safety of the ground. Here the crowd of children eagerly greet her with outstretched hands to receive the long awaited sweets that she has brought with her.

This is a spectacle that attracts thousands of people who travel from all over the region to join in the festivities. Alongside the celebrations there is also an organised lottery to collect funds for child protection projects.