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VocabularyCelebrationsla Befana
A2nounfemminile

lala Befana

the Befana (Italian Christmas witch)

Plural

Befane

Pronunciation

la be-FA-na

About this word

The Befana is a uniquely Italian figure — an old woman who flies on a broomstick on January 5 night to fill children's stockings. More beloved than Santa Claus by many Italian children.

Examples

La Befana vola sulla scopa e porta doni ai bambini.

The Befana flies on a broom and brings gifts to children.

Se sei stato buono, la Befana porta dolci; se sei stato cattivo, carbone.

If you've been good, the Befana brings sweets; if bad, coal.

Related Words

epifaniacalzaregalodolcicarbone