Canto della Befana in Rio nell'Elba

An ancient tradition of the Island of Elba

The Canto della Befana is one of the most deeply rooted folkloric traditions on the Island of Elba, renewed every year in the historic village of Rio nell'Elba, part of the Municipality of Rio in the province of Livorno, in the heart of the Tuscan archipelago. Documented since at least the 19th century in the towns of Rio and Poggio, this custom is rooted in an ancient Epiphany begging ritual: in the early 20th century, groups of befanotti—men and women disguised in long coats and eccentric hats—would begin their rounds through the cobblestone alleys at dusk on January 5th, singing songs of good fortune to the families who welcomed them.

The evening of January 5th

The procession starts in Piazza del Popolo and winds through the streets of the historic center, from the Buchino to the Lavatoi, crossing the village alleys. The singers are accompanied by the Filarmonica Elbana "Giuseppe Pietri" band from Portoferraio, whose wind instruments mark the rhythm of traditional music and songs. From stop to stop, amidst food and wine stalls set up by merchants and private citizens, the procession continues until late at night. At the end, according to tradition, the Befana is burned in the square in a propitiatory bonfire, while music and festivities continue.

A begging tradition turned community festival

Originally, the Canto della Befana was a genuine begging ritual: participants, often accompanied by guitars, accordions, and tambourines, would ask for hospitality and, in exchange for sweets or a glass of new wine, would offer well-wishes for the New Year. In the decades following World War II, the event became an opportunity to gather and strengthen the bonds of the local community. In recent years, the celebration has returned to its former glory, preserving its authentic spirit and consolidating the cultural identity of Rio.

Traditional flavors

The Canto della Befana is also an opportunity to taste the specialties of Elban and local cuisine. Along the route, one encounters stalls offering typical dishes such as sburrita di baccalà, paniccia cakes, and schiaccine, accompanied by traditional sweets and the famous Aleatico, the sweet wine of Elba, as well as the schiaccia briaca. A journey through the flavors of the territory that completes the convivial dimension of the festival.

Why experience it

• One of the most authentic and ancient traditions of the Island of Elba
• Evocative atmosphere among the illuminated alleys of Rio nell'Elba
• The Filarmonica Elbana band and the traditional well-wishing songs of the befanotti
• The bonfire of the Befana in Piazza del Popolo
• The flavors of Elban cuisine along the route

For those visiting Tuscany and the Tuscan archipelago during the Epiphany, the Canto della Befana in Rio nell'Elba is an experience that reveals the deepest soul of the island.