Befana day

Yesterday, 6th January, was Epiphany, the feast of the three kings. In Italy it is celebrated with another public holiday and families getting together. It is also often referred to as Befana day, Befana being a benevolent witch who brings gifts for children.

Legend has it that the three kings/three wise men came across Befana on their journey to search for the baby Jesus. They stopped to ask her directions, but she wasn't able to help them. She did, however, give them food and shelter for the night. The next day the three wise men went on their way again - they invited Befana to go with them to find the baby Jesus, but she declined, telling them she was too busy with her housework. Some time after they had left, Befana changed her mind and went out to try and find them but failed - and now, and for time eternal, every year on the night of the 5th January (the eve of Epiphany) she flies through the skies with her broom in search of the three wise men and the baby Jesus, stopping off at every house where there is a child to leave sweets and goodies for the good children or a lump of coal for those who have been naughty.

Yesterday, we were lucky enough to witness the arrival of Befana herself from the skies above Montecarlo:

And now, with Christmas all packed away until next time it's back to something resembling a more normal routine.