"LA FESTA DELLA BEFANA"
"VIVA, VIVA LA BEFANA!"
JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2023
1:00 - 3:30 pm at The Italian Center
Kids 16 & Under FREE, Adults $10
Bring the Entire Family and join us Sunday for an afternoon of Holiday Celebration & Fun at the Carmichael Italian Center
DOORS OPEN AT 1:00
FREE CHILDREN’S CRAFTS & BEFANA PHOTO BOOTH
1:00-3:30 pm: SHOP THE CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIRE
1:30 pm: BAMBINI DANCE PERFORMANCE
2:30pm: LA BEFANA PUPPET SHOW followed by a visit from La
Befana with her basket of Chocolate Coins!
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.
Donations of cookies are always appreciated. If you would like to bring cookies contact Kasey Bierwirth at Kaseybrad@hotmail.com. Volunteers are always needed to help with crafts tables, the book faire and other tasks. Contact Bill Cerruti at: italy1@surewest.net to volunteer.