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 8, 2023, 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 celebration featuring the La Befana Puppet 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. The Italian Center is located At: 6821 FAIR OAKS BLVD, CARMICHAEL CA 95608 (Between Stanley and Landis Avenues)

Donations of Italian cookies are always appreciated for the traditional Italian treats served to the children and the adults.  Please contact Kasey Bierwirth at kaseybrad@hotmail.com if you would like to bring cookies or holiday treats.

On January 7th, the children of Italy go to bed hoping the kind old lady they call “La Befana” visits them like Santa Claus (Babbo Natale) and leaves presents for those who are good.

The Epiphany Feast, or “La Befana,” is an important part of the Christmas celebrations in Italy. One of Italy’s oldest and most renowned legends, “La Befana,” is honored with special events throughout Italy on this holiday. Many cities organize festivals and parades to celebrate La Befana on January 6th, the Epiphany Feast. Sacramento and other cities across the U.S. celebrate the “Legend of La Befana” with children’s festivals, encouraging children in the Italian-American communities to celebrate this annual cultural event together. 

On January 8th La Befana will visit the children of Sacramento with her basket of gold chocolate coins and a special gift for each child.