At the Italian Center (6821 Fair Oaks Blvd Carmichael, California) on January 9, 2022. The center will open at 1:00pm. Come early and enjoy free children's crafts and Befana photo booth. Masks required for all guests over age 3. Each January, the Italian Cultural Society holds a children’s Festival, “La Festa della Befana” for the children of the Italian community of Sacramento.

One of Italy’s oldest and most renowned legends “The Legend Of La Befana’ is honored with special events throughout Italy on this holiday. In Sacramento and other Italian communities in the United States it has been a tradition to celebrate the day with a children’s festival.

On January 9, 2022, La Befana will visit the children of Sacramento with her basket of gold chocolate coins and a special gift for each child. The entire family is invited to this fun and unique celebration featuring the La Befana show, special performances by the Italian Cultural Society’s children and teen folk dance troupe the Bambini dancers, crafts tables, and plenty of delicious and traditional Italian treats [dolce], cookies [biscotti], and panettone.

Be sure to take a memorial photo with La Befana at the photo booth and browse the Italian themed children’s books, keepsake Befana T-shirts and other items for purchase.

Donations of cookies are always appreciated. If you would like to bring cookies contact Kasey Bierwirth at [email protected]. Volunteers are always needed to help with crafts tables, the book faire and other tasks. Contact Bill Cerruti at: [email protected] to volunteer.

THE LEGEND OF LA BEFANA

The Legend of La Befana originates from a tale about the Three Wise Men (the Maji) on the way to Bethlehem bearing gifts for the Christ child who stop at the house of an old woman for directions and ask her to join them. But she cannot as she is too busy cleaning her house. Later she decides to follow them but cannot find her way. She is believed to be searching for the baby as she brings presents and treats to the children of Italy. January 6 is twelve days after Christmas, when Italians and Catholics celebrate the feast of the Epiphany to close the Christmas season.

In Italian Households, Christmas is not over till January 6, when the Three Wise Men arrive at the Manger to celebrate the baby Jesus. Italians don’t take down their decorations till then.

“ On January 5th the children of Italy go to bed hoping the kindly old lady they call “La Befana” visits them like Santa Claus [Babbo Natale] and leaves presents and treats for those who are good and a lump of coal for those who are not. The children hang their stockings on the evening of January 5th and check them the next morning to see if La Befana has visited them.

We encourage parents to celebrate “The Legend Of La Befana” with their children at home by putting out treats and gifts on the day of the epiphany on January 6th.

Viva Viva La Befana!!