La Befana

Today is Jan the 6th, a public holiday in Italy. We celebrate "La Befana" an old ugly woman who rides a broom to deliver gifts to kids, the night between Jan the5th and the 6th.

Although she looks like a witch, she is considered a sort of female Santa Claus.

There is a catch though: if a kid has behaved badly , he or she might end up with a lump of coal!

This is a very popular poem for children:

La Befana vien di notte

con le scarpe tutte rotte

col vestito alla Romana

viva, viva la Befana.

The Befana comes by night

with her shoes all tattered and torn

She comes dressed in the Roman way

Long live la Befana!

I know what you are thinking,this little poem doesn't make a lot of sense. First of all why does Befana wear torn shoes? She rides a broom so supposedly she is not walking much. Second of all, she is Italian so she should know better (Prada anyone?).

Anyway, now that you know, try not to misbehave or you could end up with a stocking full of coal ( so popular lately..)

Enjoy your Italian!

#befana#coal