La Befana is a kind old witch from Italian folklore. She visits children on the night of January 5, during Epiphany. La Befana rides a broom and enters homes through the chimney. She gives sweets and gifts to good children and leaves coal for those who misbehave. According to legend, she once missed a chance to travel with the Wise Men to see baby Jesus, so she continues searching for him while bringing gifts to children. | Terrifying Earth

Move over, Santa: The Christmas Witch is coming to town. | Thrillist

The Befana is one of the most beloved traditions in Italy: a cheerful old lady who flies on a broomstick and, on the night between January 5 and 6, visits homes to leave sweets and small gifts for “good” children and a bit of coal (often made of sugar!) for the mischievous ones. It’s a celebration filled with magic, but also with simple messages: remembering others, closing the festivities with joy, and starting the new year with energy. The reason the Befana “comes” on January 6 is linked to an