In Italy, there is a saying: “L’Epifania tutte le feste si porta via,” which translates literally as, “Epiphany takes all the holidays away.” While it might not have the same poetic ring in English, the sentiment is clear – this beloved holiday marks the close of the Christmas season. For Italians, January 6th isn’t just another day; it is steeped in traditions and a touch of bittersweet farewell to the festivities.
Here is a closer look at how my family celebrated Epiphany this year, and how it ties into both Italian culture and our life in Arizona.
What is Epiphany and why do Italians celebrate it?
Epiphany, or l’Epifania, falls on the night between January 5th and 6th and has both religious and folkloric significance in Italy. On this day, Italians commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men – i Re Magi – who brought gifts to baby Jesus. The word Epifania itself means divine revelation, marking the moment when Jesus was recognized as the Son of God.
Beyond its religious roots, Epiphany is also the day of la Befana, a sweet yet quirky old woman who visits Italian children. According to tradition, she fills stockings with goodies like sweets, dried fruit, nuts, mandarins, or small toys for those who have behaved well. For the naughty ones? They get carbone dolce – a sugary black candy that looks like coal.
The Befana: Italy’s whimsical holiday witch
La Befana is no glamorous figure. She is often described as an elderly woman dressed in patched-up clothes with holes in her shoes, flying on a broomstick to deliver her treats. Despite her tattered appearance, she’s a beloved character, as charming as she is peculiar.
There is even a popular rhyme about her:
“La Befana vien di notte,
con le scarpe tutte rotte,
con le toppe alla sottana,
viva viva la Befana!”
Literally translated, it means:
“The Befana comes at night,
with her shoes all broken,
her skirt full of patches,
long live the Befana!”
Though the English version lacks the rhythm of the original, the imagery is still enchanting. The stockings she fills are often regular household socks rather than the decorative Christmas stockings common in America, adding a quaint touch to the tradition.
How Italians spend Epiphany
Epiphany in Italy is more than just stockings and sweets – it is a day of togetherness. Families gather for yet another festive meal, often featuring seasonal specialties like panettone or torrone. It is also a public holiday, so schools and offices remain closed, giving everyone one last chance to enjoy the holiday spirit.
For many, it is also the day when Christmas decorations are taken down. Unlike in the U.S., where most people remove their lights and trees by January 1st, Italians hold off until after la Befana has made her visit.
Epiphany in our Italian-American home
This year, we celebrated Epiphany a little differently. Living in Arizona means embracing a mix of Italian traditions and our new American lifestyle. While some aspects feel nostalgic, others have adapted to our life here.
For example, my daughter Elisa, who’s home from college until January 15th, and Marco, who starts school again on January 7th, loved rediscovering our traditions. Even my husband Pietro, who rarely takes time off, enjoyed two full weeks of holiday relaxation.
Originally, we considered traveling to California or Sedona for a mini getaway. But, as is typical for us, our last-minute planning didn’t pan out, and all the best accommodations were already booked. In hindsight, staying home turned out to be the perfect decision.
This year, Pietro, Elisa, and Marco decided to head to the slopes for a fun skiing adventure day, leaving me and Blue with a rare and much-appreciated day of solitude.
Slow days at home
Our Epiphany celebration this year was part of a longer stretch of meaningful family time. We cooked together, feasting on Christmas, New Year’s, and Santo Stefano (Boxing Day) meals. We played games, went to the movies, and even enjoyed some day trips.
What made it extra special was the rare feeling of having all four of us available at the same time. With Elisa away at college and Pietro often busy with work, it felt like a return to simpler days.
Arizona’s mild January weather – where temperatures often exceed 20°C (68°F) – allowed us to spend time outdoors, visiting friends, and soaking up the sun. These slow, serene days reminded me how important it is to relax and cherish time with loved ones.
Comparing Italian and American holiday traditions
One of the most striking differences between Italy and the U.S. is how the holiday season wraps up. In America, it is common to see Christmas lights and decorations disappear as early as January 1st. By contrast, Italians hold onto the festive atmosphere until January 6th, waiting for la Befana to signal the end of the celebrations.
Even the foods differ – while Italians indulge in traditional sweets like panettone, torrone, and Befana-shaped cookies, American households might focus more on New Year’s resolutions and healthy eating.
The symbolism of the Three Wise Men
Beyond the folklore, Epiphany carries a deeper meaning. It celebrates the journey of the Three Wise Men, who followed the star to bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus. This story of faith and perseverance resonates deeply with many Italians, adding a layer of spiritual significance to the day.
Related posts:
- Christmas and the five senses
- Don’t wrap your head before breaking it: embracing the present without unnecessary worries
- The fascinating world of idioms: stories, surprises, and language adventures
The bittersweet farewell to the holidays
As much as I love the holidays, Epiphany always brings a mix of emotions. It is a final day to soak in the joy of family time before returning to the routine of work and school. For children, it marks the end of winter break, and for adults, the return to busy schedules.
But there is also comfort in the rhythm of life resuming. As much as we cherish the holidays, it is the contrast between celebration and daily life that makes these moments so special.
Our time together reminded me of how precious family moments are, especially now that our lives have become busier and more fragmented.
Whether it’s the Three Wise Men, la Befana, or simply the joy of being together, Epiphany captures the essence of what makes the holidays magical. It is a time to reflect, reset, and carry the warmth of the season into the year ahead.
Thanks for hanging out with me today!
See you next time.
Valentina
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