La Befana: Italian folklore celebrated by Montrealers

In Italian folklore, La Befana is a witch who brings good children treats for the Epiphany. But if you were bad, look out – you may wake up to a lump of coal.

It’s a tradition that some Italians who immigrated to Canada decided to carry on, like the ALMA association in Montreal that has been welcoming this generous witch for 47 years.

“It’s part of our culture. We were children of immigrants, our parents came to this land, and they wanted to keep these values within us, so it’s important that we respect what they did for us,” explained Anna Perrotti, president of Associazone Regionale Marchigiani ALMA Canada.

“They know who Santa Claus is. We write letters to Santa Claus, but this year we introduced La Befana, we explained who she is and what she does,” said Cristina D’Alesio, mother of three.

“She gives gifts and she speaks Italian,” said one of the children who received a gift from La Befana.

As for the difference between Santa Claus and La Befana, Perrotti says, “The parents in Italy they used to leave a glass of wine with some goodies for La Befana and not like we do here a glass of milk with some cookies, so La Befana is better treated I believe in terms of food and drinks.”

“Viva, viva La Befana.”