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Show notes
In this episode, I talk about the Italian festival of la Befana which falls on January 6 each year. I explain what the festival is about and trace its origins, which go back almost three thousand years. I then go on to explain the importance of the festival today, how it’s celebrated in various parts of Italy and, of course, the delicious food associated with it.
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The episode includes:
- Who la Befana is and what happens during the festival
- The ancient Roman origins of the festival
- The meaning and function of the festival in the pagan past
- Why the festival is celebrated on January 6
- How Christianity embraced and assimilated the festival
- How the festival developed into its current form
- How the festival is celebrated in different parts of Italy
- What la regatta della Befana is
- La fugassa d’la Befana
- Cavallucci di Siena
- Pastiera Napoletana
Resources
Variations of the words to La Befana vien di notte (in Italian).
A modern version of the song by the Italian singer, Gianni Morandi.
The recipe for Cavallucci di Siena.
The recipe for Panforte di Siena.
The Befana market in Piazza Navona, in Rome.
La regata della Befana 2020 in Venice.
Images of la Befana at Castroni grocers in Rome.
