The main Christmas gift-bringer in Italy who delivers presents on Epiphany is La Befana.
La Befana is portrayed in Italian folklore as an old woman or witch-like figure who visits children on the night of January 5, the eve of Epiphany. She leaves sweets, toys, or other gifts for well-behaved children and traditionally leaves coal for those judged naughty. Like Santa Claus, she is often shown traveling through the air and entering homes through the chimney.
Her name is widely understood to derive from Epifania, the Italian word associated with Epiphany. One Christian legend says that the Magi invited her to join their journey to visit the infant Jesus. She declined, then later regretted it and began searching from house to house, giving gifts to children along the way. Scholars also discuss pre-Christian influences and the blending of older winter customs with Christian observance.
La Befana is not simply another name for Santa Claus. Santa traditionally arrives around Christmas Eve, while Befana’s visit is tied to January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. Her celebration remains a major Italian holiday tradition, with sweets, markets, festivals, and regional customs.