What’s great about being in Florence during the Feste or Christmas season is the holiday pacing. Back home in the States we tend to get into the Christmas rush, now a days, before Halloween. Here things don’t start to get on a roll till after Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. By then one tends to really be in the moment. The decorations, concerts, fairs and markets happen daily and just seem to be very timely. Seriously, the 12 days of Christmas are a celebration with one holiday after the other. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Dec 26 and the feast of St. Stephen, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and finally January 6 or Little Christmas. Everyone slows down, even the national pastime of soccer is on hold during this period. You hear people wishing each other, Buon Natale, best wishes or Auguri everywhere. The ending of one year and the beginning of the next is a 12 day celebration.
Ice skating in St. Ambrogio
Although Babbo Natale or Santa have top billing pre- Christmas and Christmas Eve, just around the New Year preparations are made to welcome La Befana.
Legend has it she makes her appearance and fills stockings on Jan. 5, the eve of the celebration of the Epiphany or the Adoration of the Magi. Before the popularity of Babbo Natale, or Santa, the Epiphany was the big day for gift exchange. The Befana is likened to a benevolent witch who flies around on her broom stick and she knows who has been naughty or nice. She will leave candies or charcoal…
Most neighborhoods have stands full of candies, Befana dolls, stockings and charcoal for sale.
At these stands one of my favorite Tuscan treats, Brigidini, can be found. These are anise flavored sweet thin wafers that are great with just about everything.
On January 6 the feast of the three Kings or Adoration of the Magi is celebrated with a big procession in Florence. It is called Cavalcade of the Magi (Wise Men). The celebration takes place in the center of Florence where the participants are dressed in period costumes.
(Photo from Visit Florence)
The Palazzo Medici Riccardi’s Chapel of the Magi houses the beautiful frescoes by Gozzoli. A very good time to visit and enhance your holiday experience.
By January 7, schools reopen and folks get back to their jobs and the store sales begin. The Italian version of our Black Friday took place on the first day of the sales, January 3 this year.
The New Year is off to a great start.
Best Wishes from Fondly From Florence for a happy and healthy 2015!
A presto! See you online soon.
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