"A van la Vacie" - The Befana Festival Arrives
The Befana festival in the historic center of Comacchio
About "A van la Vacie"
The most characteristic Befana festival in the Po Delta
"A van la Vacie" is the event with which Comacchio, a splendid lagoon village in the Province of Ferrara, celebrates Epiphany. For two days, the historic center of the "little Venice" of Emilia-Romagna, with its canals, bridges, and alleys, comes alive with a joyful atmosphere entirely dedicated to Befana and children. It is one of the most beloved traditional festivals in the Po Delta, capable of attracting families and visitors from all over the area.
"La Tamplà": the heart of the tradition
The most anticipated and iconic moment is "La Tamplà", the march of the Befane that crosses the streets of the historic center. The participants parade in traditional Comacchio costumes, chanting the famous dialect motto "A van la Vacie" ("the old woman arrives"), accompanied by the rhythm of drums handcrafted from old paint cans, pots, and other recycled materials. Folk songs and dialect calls make this march an authentic symbol of the local soul and culture.
Two days of events among alleys and canals
The festival unfolds in the squares and symbolic places of Comacchio: Piazzetta Trepponti, Manifattura dei Marinati, Torre dell'Orologio, the "Comacchioland" village, and Piazzetta Luca Danese. Among the many attractions:
- The parades of the Befane and entertainment for the little ones;
- The Firefighters' Befana, who "flies" from the Clock Tower;
- The Befana markets with sweets, local products, and gift ideas;
- The free distribution of stockings to all children in the historic center;
- The final fireworks display that illuminates the Trepponti bridge.
The grand finale at Trepponti
The climax of the event is Befana's greeting from the monumental Trepponti bridge, a symbol of Comacchio, accompanied by music, dancing, and a spectacular fireworks show reflected in the canal waters. A suggestive setting that beautifully concludes the Christmas festivities in the Municipality of Comacchio.
"A van la Vacie" — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of "A van la Vacie" animated the historic center of Comacchio during the Epiphany days. Markets with crafts, local products, and gift ideas accompanied the village from January 3 to 6, between the historic center and Piazza Folegatti.
Monday, January 5 - Preview
- 2:30 PM — Parade of the Befane with Minnie and Mickey Mouse in traditional Comacchio costume in Piazzetta Trepponti;
- 4:00 PM — La Tamplà, the march of the Befane chanting "A van la Vacie" through the streets of the historic center;
- 4:30 PM — the Firefighters' Befana "flies" from the Clock Tower;
- 5:00 PM — Befana snack and opening of Sweet Christmas at Comacchioland.
Tuesday, January 6 - Epiphany
- from 9:30 AM — Befana markets in the historic center;
- 10:30 AM-12:00 PM — Befana arrives at Manifattura dei Marinati;
- 3:00 PM — free distribution of stockings to all children;
- 5:00 PM — sweets and hot drinks in Piazzetta Luca Danese;
- 6:00 PM — grand finale with Befana greeting the children with music, dancing, and fireworks.
Sunday, January 11 - Postponed Event
Due to bad weather, the main show was postponed: from 3:30 PM, stocking distribution in the historic center, and at 6:00 PM, the grand light and fireworks show at the Trepponti bridge.
Programme "A van la Vacie" 2026
Monday, January 5, 2026 - Preview
- 2:30 PM — Parade of the Befane with Minnie and Mickey Mouse in traditional Comacchio costume — Piazzetta Trepponti
- 4:00 PM — La Tamplà, the march of the Befane singing "A van la Vacie" — historic center
- 4:30 PM — Firefighters' Befana, who "flies" from the Clock Tower
- 5:00 PM — Befana snack and opening of Sweet Christmas — Comacchioland
- 2:00 PM-8:00 PM — Entertainment with Santa Claus and Befana — San Giuseppe area
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - Epiphany
- from 9:30 AM — Befana markets — historic center
- 10:30 AM-12:00 PM — Befana arrives at Manifattura dei Marinati
- 3:00 PM — Free distribution of stockings to all children — historic center
- 5:00 PM — Sweets and hot drinks — Piazzetta Luca Danese
- 6:00 PM — Grand finale: Befana greets the children with music, dancing, and fireworks
Sunday, January 11, 2026 - Show Rescheduled (postponed due to bad weather)
- 3:30 PM — Stocking distribution — historic center
- 6:00 PM — Light and fireworks show — Trepponti bridge (Trepponti side)
Highlights "A van la Vacie" 2026
Prices "A van la Vacie" 2026
Practical information — "A van la Vacie"
How to get there
Comacchio can be reached by car via the SS309 Romea (exits for Comacchio) or the A13 Bologna-Padova motorway (exit Ferrara Sud, then follow the road towards the sea). The nearest train station is Ferrara, connected to Comacchio by bus. Nearest airports: Bologna and Forlì.
Information
Admission to the festival and most activities is free. For information: IAT Office of Comacchio, tel. +39 0533 314154, [email protected].
Tips
As this is a winter event, warm clothing is recommended. The streets of the historic center are pedestrianized: it's best to park in the external parking areas and walk to the heart of the village.
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Where does it take place — "A van la Vacie"
Centro storico di Comacchio