Befana at the Nativity Scene

Befana at the Varena Nativity Scene

Befana at the Nativity Scene is the event with which the village of Varena, in the Municipality of Ville di Fiemme, bids farewell to the holiday season. Every year, on Epiphany (January 6th), the famous life-sized nativity scene "Sulla via di Betlemme" comes to life with an afternoon entirely dedicated to children: at 2:30 PM, along Via Alpini in the heart of the village, the Befana arrives to distribute a small sweet gift to all the little ones.

The "Sulla via di Betlemme" Nativity Scene

The event is set against the backdrop of one of the most evocative nativity scenes in Trentino. Created in the late 1980s by a group of volunteers, the Varena nativity scene stretches along a path of about one kilometer through the village streets and courtyards. The display features dozens of nearly life-sized figures and numerous animals, reconstructing the life of an ancient village: the Nativity hut is surrounded by houses, inns, artisan workshops, and stables, featuring re-enactments of traditional crafts such as wool spinning, sheep shearing, and grain threshing. In the evening, over two hundred light points give the path a magical atmosphere.

An afternoon for families

• Meeting at 2:30 PM along Via Alpini, in the center of Varena;
• Arrival of the Befana with sweet gifts for all children;
• A walk through the nativity scenes, with live animals (goats and sheep) and traditional craft workshops;
• Free admission, suitable for families with children of all ages.

In the heart of Val di Fiemme

The initiative is part of the Christmas activity program for children organized by the A.P.T. Val di Fiemme e Val di Cembra and is included in the calendar of events that, on Epiphany, involves several municipalities in the valley. Varena, with its nativity scene open throughout the holiday period, is one of the most beloved destinations in Val di Fiemme, in Trentino-Alto Adige, for those seeking the authentic atmosphere of a mountain Christmas before winter activities resume.