La Befana is the Italian folklore figure who delivers gifts to children on the eve of Epiphany.
According to Italian tradition, La Befana is an old woman who travels at night on a broomstick. She visits homes during the night of 5 January, before the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January, and leaves gifts or sweets for well-behaved children.
A common legend says that the Magi invited her to join their journey to visit the infant Jesus. She declined at first, then regretted the decision and began giving gifts to children while searching for him. The story explains her connection with Epiphany rather than Christmas Day itself.
Children may receive a stocking filled with sweets or, in some versions, symbolic “coal” for misbehavior. La Befana is separate from Santa Claus, although the two figures can overlap in modern celebrations.