Befana

Befana sf → old woman who, according to legend, brings children their presents at the Epiphany (= Epifania); Epiphany (= donna brutta): befana → hag, witch

Befana

Marking the end of the traditional 12 days of Christmas on 6 January, the Befana, or the feast of the Epiphany, is a national holiday in Italy. It is named after the old woman who, legend has it, comes down the chimney the night before, bringing gifts to children who have been good during the year and leaving lumps of coal for those who have not.