In Italian popular tradition, an old lady riding on a broomstick visits all the children on the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany to fill their socks with candy and presents if they are good or a lump of coal or dark candy if they are bad. Befana carries a bag, wears a black shawl and is covered in soot because she enters the children's houses through the chimney. Whoever has been a child in Italy, knows the joy that Befana brings to the family.

This year, children in Los Angeles can celebrate the night of the Befana with a special show held at the Italian Cultural Institute in December.

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Source: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com