La Befana is the Italian gift-bringing figure who visits children on Epiphany Eve.
According to Italian folklore, La Befana is an elderly woman who travels on a broom during the night of January 5–6. She enters homes and leaves gifts for well-behaved children, while traditionally leaving coal, onions, or garlic for those considered naughty.
The legend connects her with the Christian Feast of the Epiphany, which commemorates the visit of the Magi to Jesus. One popular story says the Magi invited Befana to travel with them, but she declined and later regretted it, searching for the child ever afterward.
La Befana is not simply another Italian name for Santa Claus. Her tradition is tied primarily to Epiphany rather than Christmas Eve, and she is often portrayed as a broom-riding grandmother. Celebrations involving her remain especially prominent in parts of central Italy.