No Christmas would be complete without some good fireside stories! And Italy is full of interesting tales. So from good Christmas witches to dynamic processions of fire, here are some of the most interesting Christmas legends & festivals to come out of Italy!

La Befana

La Befana is hands down Italy’s most interesting Christmas character. Known as the ‘good witch of Christmas’, La Befana presides over the feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. In fact, her name comes from the Italian word for the Epiphany; ‘epifania’. Making her journey on January 5th, she rides atop a broom and climbs down the chimney of homes to deliver presents to the children inside.