"LA FESTA DELLA BEFANA"
"VIVA, VIVA LA BEFANA!"
JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 7, 2024
1:00 - 4:00 pm at The Italian Center
Kids 16 & Under FREE, Adults $15
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY TO CELEBRATE THIS MAGICAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL:
1:00 pm > DOORS OPEN! COME EARLY
Enjoy free Children's Crafts and Befana Marketplace
1:30 pm > PERFORMANCE by THE BAMBINI DANCERS
2:00 pm > "DOLCI" SNACK TIME
2:30 pm > "THE LEGEND OF LA BEFANA" PUPPET SHOW
3:00 pm > LA BEFANA VISITS WITH HER BASKET OF GOLD COINS
3:00 - 4:00 pm
Enjoy free Children's Crafts and Befana Marketplace and Befana Photo Booth
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. The entire family is invited to this fun and unique celebration, featuring “The Legend of La Befana” show, special performances by the Society’s Bambini Dancers, a children’s book faire, free crafts, 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 while you’re there, get your keepsake book signed by La Befana herself! If you don’t have a copy of “The Legend Of La Befana,” be sure to stop by the Children’s Book Faire to get a copy, and browse the many other Italian-themed children’s books for sale. Keepsake La Befana t-shirts are also available to purchase.
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 keepsake items available for purchase in the Marketplace.
Donations of Italian cookies are always appreciated for the traditional Italian treats served to the children and adults. Please contact Paula Bravo at PFBravo61@gmail.com if you would like to bring cookies or holiday treats. Volunteers are always needed to help with the children's craft tables, book faire and other tasks. Please contact Bill Cerruti at italy1@surewest.net to volunteer.