Befana of Santa Jona in Ovindoli

The Befana descending from the tower

The Befana of Santa Jona in Ovindoli is one of the most evocative Epiphany traditions in the Marsica region, in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains. In the small village of Santa Jona, a hamlet of the Municipality of Ovindoli in the province of L'Aquila, the old woman of popular tradition does not arrive on foot or by sleigh: she descends from the Medieval Tower that overlooks the town, rappelling from above and giving the little ones a moment of authentic wonder.

A village, a tower, a community

The natural backdrop for the event is the Tower of Santa Iona, built in the 13th century by the Counts of Celano as a lookout point on the route leading to the Fucino plain. Over thirteen meters high, with its circular stone base, the tower played a foundational role in the very formation of the village, which developed entirely around it. It is from this ancient stone sentinel that, every January, the Befana makes her spectacular descent, assisted by elves who accompany the distribution of candies and chocolates.

The heart of the Santa Jona festivities

The appointment with the Befana concludes a rich calendar of Christmas events that brings the village to life between December and January: the famous Living Nativity, now in its over forty editions and established in 1971 by Don Mario del Turco, spiritual and gospel concerts, and the opening of the medieval tower to the public during the holiday weekends. In a village of just a hundred inhabitants, the entire community participates in the organization, creating an event that is deeply felt and rooted.

Tradition, magic, and solidarity

Beyond the joy of the children, the event also upholds a spirit of solidarity: in recent editions, charity lotteries and collection drives have been organized to support needy communities, while adults are offered traditional mulled wine to warm up the cold winter afternoon. The Befana of Santa Jona is thus much more than just an event for children: it is a collective ritual that unites the village around its tower.

Ovindoli, pearl of the Altopiano delle Rocche

Ovindoli, a renowned tourist and ski resort on the Altopiano delle Rocche at over 1300 meters above sea level, offers the ideal setting to experience the Epiphany in the mountains. The hamlet of Santa Jona, with its quiet and intimate medieval village, provides an atmosphere of times past during the holidays, amidst snow, folk traditions, and the magic of the Befana descending from the tower.