Focarazza della Befana

The Focarazza della Befana in Roccalbegna

In the heart of the Grosseto Maremma, on the south-western slopes of Monte Amiata, the village of Roccalbegna celebrates the night of the Epiphany every year with the Focarazza della Befana. On the evening of January 5th, a large bonfire is lit in Piazzale Albegna, illuminating and warming the community gathered to greet the arrival of the old lady on her broomstick, in accordance with the Italian folk tradition that marks the end of the Christmas holidays.

Fire, a symbol of Amiata tradition

In Roccalbegna, fire is an element deeply rooted in the town's identity. The very term focarazza refers to the famous rite that the nearby hamlet of Santa Caterina renews every November 24th, but the bonfire remains the protagonist for the Epiphany as well. The flames rising into the winter evening represent a moment of gathering, where young and old meet in the square to share warmth and anticipation.

Winter flavors

Around the bonfire, there is no shortage of typical cold-season products. The stands set up by the Pro Loco offer chestnuts, schiaccine, and mulled wine, perfect for accompanying the evening. It is the simple and genuine gastronomy of the Amiata, made of local ingredients like the chestnut, which for centuries has been the staple of the peasant diet in this area.

An event for families

• Large evening bonfire in Piazzale Albegna
• Distribution of chestnuts, schiaccine, and mulled wine
• Family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the village
• The arrival of the Befana for the little ones

The event is organized by the Pro Loco Association of Roccalbegna, which manages the main events in the municipality's calendar. The Focarazza della Befana is a perfect opportunity to discover one of the most evocative villages in Tuscany, dominated by its two famous fortresses, during the most magical time of the year.

Roccalbegna, a village in the Tuscan Maremma

Located in the province of Grosseto, in Tuscany, Roccalbegna is a small municipality in the Maremma hinterland, part of the Monte Amiata district. Its medieval historic center, topped by the rocky mass of the Sasso, offers unique views and an authentic atmosphere, far from mass tourism. Visiting the village on the evening of the Epiphany, illuminated by the Focarazza bonfire, means experiencing a living and participatory tradition, a genuine expression of Amiata folk culture.