All the traditions of the Befana feast in Santa Sofia, a village in the hinterland of the Romagna Riviera and in general the traditions of the Epiphany feast in Romagna, read the post.
There is scent of mulled wine in the air, can be heard in the distance i Befanotti sing and play, the doors and windows of the houses are open, people smile! It is the most awaited party of the year, the oldest tradition that has been handed down for generations and which manages to unite many people in a big hug.
And the !, the feast of the Befana, and Santa Sofia is filled with joy and people! S.Sofia, a small town of four thousand souls between Romagna and Tuscany, at the foot of the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna, a border town, crossed by its Bidente river, the fulcrum of life and the charm of this territory so green, so magical, sometimes so far away.
Il pagan rite della Befana, or “Pasquella”, has always been celebrated with the traditional songs and stornelli, which from year to year change and adapt to places and people, sung by the inhabitants disguised with the typical "befanotti" clothes (which are nothing more than shepherd's clothes with accessories such as hats, sticks, cloak or "overcoat" ) and accompanied by a lot of red wine.
The organization of groups and itinerario to follow starts months before, months in which the person who will be the Befana is also chosen, the protagonist of the party in each group. This hunchbacked and poorly dressed granny will be in charge of distributing candies and entertaining the hosts with dances and twirls.
In this continuous pulsation of people and music, among the largest groups you can meet the Befana of San Martino (a small fraction of S.Sofia), la Befanda (the Befana of the Roveroni Band) and the Befana di Spinello (another fraction of the Municipality), as well as many companies of friends who gather every year to celebrate together. The groups dressed and loaded with musical instruments and cheer they bring notes and good luck in the houses of the town and in the countryside, in exchange for good wine, good food and a warm welcome in front of the fireplace. For the more daring, the day starts early, with a nice breakfast in company, ready for many "stages" around the town, to arrive in the evening in the central square where all the groups perform on the central stage and then continue until late night between songs and dances in the streets of the center.
A great party, a day of happiness and friendship, of hospitality and passion. A tradition where everyone finds a bit of their own land, their own history, their own family, a timeless tradition that unites the inhabitants of this wonderful village and the many people who flock to attend a true folklore show every year. Union!
The celebrations continue until late at night, when the groups slowly melt away and everyone, with a little tiredness and drunkenness, returns home sad because he will have to wait another year before reliving the same emotions and the same fun. that only the Befana di S. Sofia can give.
For a stopover after the party, you can stay at theYouth Hostel in Piazza Matteotti, Old Town Guesthouse in the beautiful Mortano district, and at the Pianconvento Agriturismo, nestled in the hills a few kilometers from the town.
The small Romagna town is wonderful to visit even outside this great Epiphany festival: it has a very active Theater and Art Gallery, an outdoor Sculpture Park that boasts works by world-famous artists, a river that crosses it and makes it unique, numerous events throughout the year thanks to the active and participating associations, and is at the foot of the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna and the Ridracoli Dam, interesting destinations for hikers and not. Santa Sofia to eat, to live, to photograph, to drink and to smile!
Thanks for the photos www.matteoperini.it
