Celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany in Italy
Celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany in Italy
Learn about the legend of Befana and how the feast of the Epiphany is celebrated in Italy.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
Transcript
NARRATOR: January 6th - the Feast of the Epiphany. The witch called Befana, has traded in her broomstick for a pink Cadillac. Throughout Italy, opulent parades are held in her honor. Perhaps Befana is tired today from all her broomstick excursions of last night. According to folklore, the witch goes from house to house in search of baby Jesus during the small hours. The children set out biscuits and a drink so she'll feel welcome and shower them with presents. They even say a little poem to win her favor.
Befana's presents have yet to be bought. Just before Epiphany is when mama picks out the perfect little something - sweets or candies or socks like these ones designed to appeal to A.S. Roma fans.
MOTHER: "My children just get sweets. We leave the actual presents to Father Christmas."
NARRATOR: On the next corner, Befana has transformed herself into a giant. At her new imposing height on stilts, she scours the city by foot for baby Jesus. To some people, she is great snapshot material, while to others she's a beast. But once she hands out sweets to the children, everyone cheers.
CHILD: "She's so beautiful. She makes me smile."
ACTOR: "Normally, Befana is portrayed as an old hag with a bulbous nose and warts. I wanted to make her more enchanting."
NARRATOR: A cat rubs its eyes in disbelief. The cup is empty. Befana visited this family, too. What lucky children live here. Befana has left presents for them: a muscle-bound action figure for the boy, and two Barbies for the girl. During the night Befana must have been busy as a bee.
Befana's presents have yet to be bought. Just before Epiphany is when mama picks out the perfect little something - sweets or candies or socks like these ones designed to appeal to A.S. Roma fans.
MOTHER: "My children just get sweets. We leave the actual presents to Father Christmas."
NARRATOR: On the next corner, Befana has transformed herself into a giant. At her new imposing height on stilts, she scours the city by foot for baby Jesus. To some people, she is great snapshot material, while to others she's a beast. But once she hands out sweets to the children, everyone cheers.
CHILD: "She's so beautiful. She makes me smile."
ACTOR: "Normally, Befana is portrayed as an old hag with a bulbous nose and warts. I wanted to make her more enchanting."
NARRATOR: A cat rubs its eyes in disbelief. The cup is empty. Befana visited this family, too. What lucky children live here. Befana has left presents for them: a muscle-bound action figure for the boy, and two Barbies for the girl. During the night Befana must have been busy as a bee.