Sometimes referred to simply as La Befana, this is the Twelfth Night festival in Italy where the Befana, a kindly witch, plays much the same role that Santa Claus plays in the United States. The festival begins on Epiphany Eve, when the Befana is supposed to come down the chimney on her broom to leave gifts in children’s stockings. In Rome, the Piazza Navona is thronged with children and their parents, who shop for toys and exchange greetings. Bands of young people march around, blowing on cardboard trumpets, and the noise level in the square can be deafening. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary