Here Comes Befana! — Burning of the Witch

Epiphany in Montecchio Maggiore

Here Comes Befana! is the event that, every January 6th, officially closes the Christmas festivities calendar in Montecchio Maggiore, in the province of Vicenza. The heart of the festival is Piazza Marconi, which comes alive with children and families on the afternoon of Epiphany.

Stockings, Sweets, and Befana

Befana arrives in the square to distribute stockings and candies to the little ones, while everyone can enjoy mulled wine and hot chocolate. It's a convivial and festive moment that evokes the genuine atmosphere of Venetian winter traditions.

The Burning of the Witch

To crown the day is the Burning of the Witch, the bonfire that, according to ancient Venetian custom, symbolically burns the "witch" — and with her the old year — to usher in the new. It's a ritual found in many towns in the Veneto region, and in Montecchio Maggiore, it signifies closure and renewal.

A Festival for the Community

The event is part of the Buone Feste a Montecchio Maggiore (Happy Holidays in Montecchio Maggiore) program, featuring over thirty events organized or sponsored by the Municipality during the Christmas season. Here Comes Befana! is free and designed primarily for families.