One of the symbols of Christmas is a chubby old man, dressed in red that brings gifts to children known in the world as Santa Claus. In Venice in the past children waited for the arrival of the "Marantega" today known as Befana :-) At the stroke of midnight between 5 and 6 January he brought them some sweets or toys... For the more mischievous children instead, a few pieces of coal and ash.
The origins of the legend of the Befana are not clear, it certainly descends from the popular Christian tradition. It is said that on the journey to Bethlehem from the Child Jesus, the Magi Baldassarre, Gasparre and Melchiorre, asked for directions on the way to be followed by an old woman along the road, who pointed them the way. The Magi invited her to continue with them, but she refused. When the 3 Magi left, the old lady repented and started looking for them, carrying a bag full of sweets. He started knocking on all the doors of the houses, giving every child a treat hoping to meet the Baby Jesus.
On January 6 to celebrate the Epiphany do not miss the traditional "Regatta delle Befane", a costume regatta along the Grand Canal. The Regatta starts in front of Palazzo Dolfin (Rialto), the residence of the last Doge and current seat of the Bank of Italy.
The Venetian tradition wanted that in the houses (mostly those of the nobles) the CRIB was built, symbol of the Nativity par excellence that tested the imagination of adults and children. In the Basilica of San Marco or in the Basilica dei Frari you can admire two beautiful cribs. In Burano instead emerges from the waters a suggestive artisan crib.
If you are in Venice and want to give your loved ones something "Made in Venice" we have some suggestions for you
A nice pair of Furlane that you can buy from PIEDATERRE
A good bag of zaeti and buranei, typical Venetian biscuits. You can buy them from Rosa Salva, Tonolo, Dal Mas. Inside the chocolate Dal Mas you can find many Christmas chocolates of various shapes.
A Venetian Mask of the Bottega dei Mascareri
A precious gift in Murano glass from Rialto79
MyAQUAbottle an artistic bottle Made in Venice
... And why not give a dinner in our restaurant Bistrot de Venise?
