With the arrival of the Epiphany, which “all the festivals takes away”, Italy closes the long circle of festivities marked by celebrations, traditions and moments of sharing. Now is the time to look forward to the new year.
The day of 6 January marks the end of a time when families, friends and communities gathered to celebrate, take stock of the year that has just passed and plan for the future.
The epiphany between faith and folklore
The day of the Epiphany takes on a special charm in Bel Paese because it combines religious aspects and folkloric meanings.
In particular, the Epiphany is the day on which we celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings at the grotto of Bethlehem to pay homage to the child Jesus. In Italy, this anniversary is celebrated with masses, reenactments and historical processions, as the unmissable appointment of the “Procession of the Three Kings” in Milan that crosses the center from Piazza Duomo to the Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio, home of the Living Presepe.
Next to the religious meaning there is a popular meaning dominated by the Befana, the old lady who flies on a broom and fills the socks with sweets or coal, depending on how the little ones behaved.
Linked to pagan and Christian beliefs, this figure is the protagonist of folklore events throughout Italy: Venice organizes the traditional Regatta delle Befane; Rome recreates a magical experience between stalls, street artists and musical performances in Piazza Navona; Urbania (Marche) gives life to the Festa della Befana with the transformation of the center in a wonderful world for young and old; Montescaglioso in Basilicata hosts the tradition of Cucibocca with masked characters who walk through the alleys of the village; Pergine holds the Race of the Befane; Faenza is the setting for suggestive rituals such as the burning of the Niballo during the Notte de’ Bisò.
An overview of the holiday season
The Immaculate Conception officially started the Christmas period, sanctioning the resumption of traditional celebrations after the restrictions of previous years. Living nativity scenes, themed markets, Christmas concerts and liturgies have brought communities together and allowed them to rediscover the value of closeness and sharing.
The balance of the holiday season was positive for tourism thanks to the fact that, as highlighted by ANSA, Christmas, Boxing and New Year fell on favourable days for departures and longer breaks from work: Art cities, mountain resorts and holiday villages have seen an increase in attendance.
Naples, in particular, has seen a boom of visitors in the historic Via San Gregorio Armeno, heart of the Neapolitan Christmas tradition. Mountain resorts have also enjoyed a great influx thanks to the peaks transformed into breathtaking landscapes: ski slopes, markets and the atmosphere of the mountains have made these destinations a very sought-after choice.
On the food and wine front, the period was marked by a return to traditional flavours: artisan panettone, decorated pandoro and regional sweets triumphed over the tables, along with typical dishes such as cappelletti in broth and zampone with lentils. According to the results of the CNA survey reported by Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor, the value of the Italian table section has reached six billion euros, surpassing the record levels of food and wine turnover recorded before the pandemic.
Looking to the future: a new year on the horizon
The end of the Christmas season changes the appearance of the streets of Italian cities, from North to South, but it animates the country with fresh energy and future projects.
Many cities have already announced cultural initiatives, events and projects for 2025 with the aim of enhancing local heritage as a key to sustainable economic recovery.
The climate of hope and good intentions are also reflected in the daily life of Italian families, ready to resume the rhythm of everyday life with energy and confidence.
Taking a general balance, Italy welcomes the magic of Christmas with a heart full of memories and a look at tomorrow, ready to face the challenges of a world in continuous change and to write a new page of its history.
Cover: Pixabay