Befana Dive
The Epiphany sea bath on Piazzale Roma beach
About Befana Dive
An Epiphany Tradition on the Rimini Riviera
The Befana Dive is one of the most cherished winter events in Misano Adriatico, in the Province of Rimini, Emilia-Romagna. Every January 6th, on the occasion of Epiphany, dozens of brave swimmers gather on the beach of Piazzale Roma to dive into the cold waters of the Adriatic. It's a symbolic gesture that closes the Christmas holiday period with a shot of adrenaline, laughter, and community spirit.
The Icy Bath Ritual
The event is scheduled for 11:00 AM on the shoreline in front of Piazzale Roma. At the agreed signal, participants run towards the sea and dive in all together, often wearing the traditional black Befana hat or themed costumes. It's not uncommon for the dive to take place in the rain or, as has happened in some editions, even under the snow: conditions that make the feat even more memorable. At the end of the swim, a warm refreshment is offered to everyone to warm up and celebrate.
A Volunteer and Safety Initiative
The initiative is organized by the Municipality of Misano Adriatico with the essential collaboration of numerous local entities. These include the Croce Adriatica, the Volunteer Association of Civil Protection Misano 2030, the Friends of the Beach 61, the association of lifeguards, and the Beach Services Consortium. The presence of specialized personnel and rescue vehicles ensures that the dive takes place in complete safety.
The Party for the Little Ones
The Befana Dive is part of a day of widespread Epiphany celebrations. In the afternoon, the Befana Party is scheduled, with the distribution of stockings to children in Misano up to ten years old and a snack for all participants. It's a moment dedicated to families that completes the magic of a day entirely devoted to popular tradition and the folklore of the Riviera.
Why Participate
- Experience an authentic Rimini Riviera tradition in the heart of winter
- Witness a collective dive full of cheerfulness and playful spirit
- A free event open to all, also designed for children
- An opportunity to discover Misano Adriatico in its winter guise
Befana Dive — edition 2026
2026 Edition: The Dive Under the Snow
On January 6, 2026, the Befana Dive took place in truly exceptional conditions: heavy snowfall had whitened the Riviera, but it did not stop the bravest swimmers, who gathered at 11:00 AM on Piazzale Roma beach. Mayor Fabrizio Piccioni was among the protagonists of the collective dive. The first 60 registered participants received a plaid blanket as a gift, while a warm refreshment was offered to everyone at the end of the dive.
The organization, managed by the Municipality with Croce Adriatica, Protezione Civile Misano 2030, Amici della Spiaggia 61, and Consorzio Servizi Spiaggia, ensured the safety of the participants. However, the persistent snowfall forced the cancellation of the Befana Party scheduled for the afternoon in Piazza della Repubblica.
Programme Befana Dive 2026
Program for January 6, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Befana Dive into the sea, Piazzale Roma beach
- Plaid blanket gift for the first 60 registered
- Refreshments for all participants after the swim
- Afternoon — Befana Party with stockings for children up to 10 years old (canceled due to snow)
Highlights Befana Dive 2026
- Collective dive into the Adriatic waters under the snow
- Participation of Mayor Fabrizio Piccioni
- Plaid blanket gift for the first 60 registered
Prices Befana Dive 2026
Practical information — Befana Dive
How to Get There
Misano Adriatico can be reached by train via the station on the Bologna-Ancona line, or by car via the Riccione exit of the A14 motorway. Piazzale Roma is located in the heart of the seaside area, a short walk from the station.
When
Every year on January 6th, Epiphany Day. The dive is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Piazzale Roma beach.
Costs and Registration
Participation is free. Small gifts are often provided for the first registrants, and refreshments are offered to all at the end of the swim.
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Where does it take place — Befana Dive
Spiaggia di Piazzale Roma
Piazzale Roma, 47843 Misano Adriatico