Chiara Calcagnini: Carl Orff Competition 2020 Befana dei giovani

Befana dei giovani is a traditional folk song from Montefegatesi, in Tuscany (Italy). The theme is the arrival of the Befana. The Befana tradition is very widespread in Tuscany and is still very much alive today. Befana is the name of a witch who came on the night of January 5th to 6th in search of the Child Jesus on a broom. She then flies from house to house and lets them go to the children who have prepared a taught stocking, sweets or, if they were not good, coal.
On January 5th, the arrival of the Befana is often celebrated with music and solemnity, especially in the small towns of the region. One of these is the tradition of Montefegatesi, a small town in the province of Lucca. There the Befana and their bridegroom Befano will visit families from house to house, collecting small gifts from the families. Everything will be brought to the theatre and the celebration will start with typical local products to eat and music.