The friendly “old lady” will visit retirement homes in the morning and, in the afternoon, she will walk through the streets and squares of the city center. Show for children at the Teatro del Popolo (free admission)
An increasingly rich Epiphany celebration will take place on Tuesday, January 6, in Castelfiorentino, in which the entire community participates by preparing a fitting welcome for the friendly “old lady” and with the grand finale of the “Via dei Presepi”, sealed by the arrival of the Magi on horseback in Piazza del Popolo.
As tradition dictates, in addition to brightening up family celebrations, the Befana will make her appearance early in the morning when she visits the elderly in nursing homes. In the afternoon (2:30 p.m.), the historical costume parade will depart from Piazza Grandi with the Magi on horseback, accompanied by the flag-wavers of the district of San Pierino (Fucecchio). The procession, as if to symbolically unite the two dioceses, will then head to Piazza Gramsci for a first performance—around 3:00 p.m.—by the flag throwers to the rhythm of drums. Once they reach Piazza del Popolo (4:00 p.m.), the Magi will deliver their gifts to the baby Jesus in the manger in the crypt of the Church of San Lorenzo, and then remain available to all the children who want to take a souvenir photo with them.
Meanwhile, in the lower historic center (from 4:00 p.m. onwards), the Befana will arrive accompanied by a mysterious “Befano,” who will walk through the streets of the natural shopping center until they reach Piazza Gramsci, where there will be three stands set up by the associations for the usual distribution of “stockings.” Vouchers for the stockings can also be purchased in the shops in the center (including those located across the bridge) that have joined the initiative. At 4:30 p.m., in the pedestrian area in front of the theater, children can enjoy a game of “Pentolaccia” while blindfolded, and at 5:00 p.m., there will be an unmissable theatrical performance at the Teatro del Popolo, entirely dedicated to them (free admission).
“Epiphany,” observes the Councilor for Culture, Franco Spina, “reminds us to always keep hope alive on the path to our goal, knowing how to redirect our gaze and making life a constant gift. Epiphany can teach us the unity of humanity as a whole. We would like to thank the countless associations in Castelfiorentino, which, with dedication and love, bring about this ‘community building’ that is a great asset to our town.”
In the streets of the upper historic center (until 7:30 p.m.), visitors will have the opportunity to visit “La via dei Presepi”, which this year features over 50 artistic and artisanal creations, some of which are truly ingenious and original: from the nativity scene that gradually lights up while playing foosball to the “Di…vino” nativity scene; from the “luminous” nativity scene to the “Presemino,” with many moving settings. Not to mention the “meteorological nativity scene” that occupies an entire church (Church of San Filippo), never failing to amaze visitors with its surprising “weather” effects.
