The Epiphany is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God as a human being in Jesus Christ. Is the commemoration of the manifestation of Christ, and of the Adoration of the Magi.
In popular folklore, the “Befana” is an old lady riding a broomstick through the air, and visits children on the eve of January 6 to fill their socks with candy and presents if they had been good or a lump of sugar-coal or dark candy if they had been bad.
What can be done in Rome during the Epiphany long week-end?
Piazza Navona will be the center of many events for children and grown-ups. Even if this year the traditional stands are not there, you’ll find exhibitions, shows and workshops every day, and on January 6 also a living Nativity scene.
Rome Civic Museums will be open every day from January 2 to January 11, with special exhibitions and events for Christmas time, until January 6. They will be exceptionally open even on Monday, January 5 (museums are usually closed on Mondays). In addition, January 4, is the first Sunday of the month, and the “Domenica al museo” (Sunday at the museum): State-run monuments, museums and archeological sites will be free. On the contrary, Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, and will be also closed on January 6.
Pope Francis will celebrate the last major ceremony of the New Year’s celebrations, the Solemnity of the Epiphany, in Saint Peter’s Basilica, at 10 am. (Tickets are required)
Monuments and churches are always there, main attractions of the Eternal City: for example the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and Saint Peter’s Basilica will be open every day. Exceptionally accessible on Saturdays and Sundays, until March, is also the Domus Aurea worksite.
Last but not least, this is winter saldi time in Italy: a lot of shops will be open and you can find convenient discounts… So, don’t forget to go shopping!!!
Photos: wikipedia, flickr, ilmesaggero.it, museiincomuneroma.it
