The first weekend of 2025, which this year culminates on Monday with Epiphany celebrations, offers a unique opportunity to explore the traditions and beauty of Lazio and Abruzzo. These regions, rich in history and culture, come alive with events celebrating the arrival of the Three Kings and the flight of the Befana. Below we offer an overview of the main events conveniently accessible via the A24 and A25 highways.
The Befana of Piazza Navona and the marathons in Rome
As every year Piazza Navona is transformed into a lively Christmas market, with stalls filled with sweets, decorations and games, Biblioteche di Roma is once again enlivening the square with cultural and recreational activities for children and families. There is no shortage of music by the Rome Capital Police Local Band, puppet theater, historic horse carousel and other animations. The highlight is the arrival of the Befana, who distributes sweets to children on Jan. 6, with the support of the Fire Department, preceded by the performance of the Fire Department’s Musical Band, which will end the day with festive notes and engaging Christmas tunes. This event is a regular fixture for Romans and tourists alike, who immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of the historic center. Also in Rome, in the beautiful setting of the Aqueducts Park, the marathon “Run for the Epiphany” of more than 10 kilometers returns, while for a less demanding route, of about 5 kilometers, it will be possible to take part in the solidarity running event “Corsa del Giocattolo,” promoted by the Italian Red Cross, appointment at the Terrazza del Pincio.
Flying witches and concerts between Tivoli and Subiaco
In Vicovaro, Epiphany is celebrated with the traditional “Epiphany Concert” at the Church of SS Cosmas and Damian. This musical event, held on January 5, is a must for lovers of sacred music and Christmas atmosphere. Subiaco, too, offers a rich program of events for New Year’s Eve and Epiphany, with events extending through Jan. 6. The town, famous for its Benedictine monasteries, becomes a center of cultural and religious activities that attract visitors from all over Italy. Appointment Saturday, Jan. 4, in Piazza Santa Maria della Valle, starting at 3 p.m. In Tivoli, the Befana arrives in spectacular fashion, flying from the Rocca Pia. This event is an attraction for young and old alike, who gather to watch the Befana’s acrobatic descent. Celebrations continue with street performances, music and food stands offering local specialties.
Living nativity scenes: tradition and inclusion
In addition to the historic Rivisondoli Living Nativity, now in its seventy-fourth year, also in Abruzzo, the historic center of Chieti is once again hosting the Theatine Living Nativity. This performance, which takes place among the city’s ancient streets, offers a glimpse of life in Bethlehem, involving local actors in period costumes. The magic of the living nativity scene is an unmissable opportunity to immerse oneself in authentic Christmas traditions and experience the atmosphere of a time gone by. A very special event, on the other hand, is staged in Pescara where, on Jan. 5 and 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the historic center of Pescara will host a unique living nativity scene, created with about 30 deaf figures. This initiative, organized by the social cooperative Segni di integrazione Abruzzo under the patronage of the Municipality of Pescara, offers an inclusive experience, raising community awareness of the importance of integration. The figurants interpret scenes from the Nativity in sign language, creating an engaging and original event.
L’Aquila and environs
In L’Aquila alongside the Epiphany Fair, with more than 200 exhibitors from all over Italy filling the historic center, the Vigilante’s Befana returns to the Quattro Cantoni. From 10:30 a.m. Jan. 6, this local tradition sees the Befana handing out sweets to children, accompanied by music and street performances. Also starting at 10 a.m., the “Befana Express” arrives at the Preturo Parks Airport: the airport comes alive with activities dedicated to children, who can meet the Befana and participate in games and creative workshops. In Calascio, in the shadow of Abruzzo’s most scenic castle, “La Befana arrives on stilts.” From 3 p.m., the streets of the village will be populated with artists on stilts, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
The Chezette of Scanno
On January 5, the traditional “Chezette” serenade takes place in Scanno, Abruzzo. This event winds through the historic center of the village, among the most beautiful in Italy, where groups of singers in traditional dress sing folk songs, creating a magical and engaging atmosphere. It is a unique opportunity to discover local traditions and participate in a festival rooted in the region’s thousand-year-old culture.
Between Marsica and Peligna Valley
In Abruzzo, the city of Avezzano organizes events dedicated to children, with free distribution of Befana stockings in Piazza della Repubblica. In Celano, theBefana Urban Trail offers a sporting experience through the picturesque Historic Trail. In Luco dei Marsi, at the former City Hall from 3:30 p.m., children can meet the Befana and receive sweets and small gifts. Sulmona, meanwhile, comes alive with markets and shows celebrating Epiphany, while waiting for the Civil Defense Befana on Jan. 6 from 4:30 p.m. at the Rotonda di San Francesco.
The Epiphany in Teramo
In Teramo, the historic center is preparing to celebrate Epiphany with a program full of family-friendly activities. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the city hosts the Epiphany Fair with stalls, crafts and typical products, creating an atmosphere of celebration and sharing. Martyrs Square is filled with events ranging from creative workshops to children’s games, ensuring a day of fun and involvement for young and old alike. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by music and dance performances that enliven the city throughout the weekend. Also in Teramo, the House of the People organizes the Befana Popolare, a solidarity project dedicated to the youngest children and now in its fifth edition. The goal of the initiative is to give a smile to about 80 children in need from four centers that care for minors and the Solidarity Spending Families.
Atri and Pineto
Atri is preparing for a weekend full of excitement, dedicated especially to the youngest children, from Jan. 4, 2025 until Epiphany. The celebrations begin Jan. 4 at 4:30 p.m. in Casoli di Atri with the painting exhibition “All the Colors of the World” in the Church of Santa Marina, the result of a workshop that involved 50 children. The exhibition will be open until Jan. 6. At 6 p.m., the historic center of Casoli will host the traveling show “The Night of the Befana,” with actors, musicians and dancers, who will tell a fairy tale adventure with the Befana, Santa Claus and the Little People’s Goblins. On Jan. 6 at 3:30 p.m., Dukes Acquaviva Square will host the traditional descent of the witches from the Ducal Palace Tower, now in its 14th year, during which stockings filled with candy, including gluten-free options, will be distributed. . A few miles from Atri on the coast, cards are being prepared for the big Epiphany raffle in Pineto. From 3:30 p.m., a raffle with prizes and fun for all ages will be held at the Bocciodromo del Quartiere dei Fiori.
Pescara
In the Adriatic capital, “La Befana vien dal Mare” at the Marina di Pescara Tourist Port: From 11 a.m., the Befana reaches the port to meet children and hand out sweets, while at the Pala Dean Martin in Montesilvano from 4 p.m., the center welcomes families for an afternoon of celebration and fun.
Province of Chieti
In Lanciano, Epiphany is celebrated with the “Befana del Vigile Urbano” in Piazza Plebiscito on January 6. This event, which combines tradition and community, is attended by families and children who gather to celebrate together. Also in Vasto Marina, “La Befana vien dal mare” is staged: from 10 a.m., the Befana arrives from the sea to distribute sweets along the pier area in an event that combines tradition and entertainment. While at Roccascalegna Castle from 3 p.m., the charming manor house hosts the Befana, offering an afternoon of games and entertainment for families. A Befana market is also organized in Guardiagrele ‘s municipal hall, organized by the Proloco, followed at 7 p.m. by the Karisma concert and the drawing of Epiphany raffle tickets with a special raffle dedicated to the little ones.
National parks: between trekking and snowshoeing
The three National Parks cannot be missed, offering an immersive experience in nature, perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility. During Epiphany, visitors can participate in guided hikes through lush forests and towering mountains, discovering the unique wildlife that inhabits these places. Activities include trekking, birdwatching and guided tours that allow visitors to explore the biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes in the park between Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. In the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, Epiphany celebrations include nature walks that traverse some of Abruzzo’s most striking vistas, from the slopes of Mount Bolza to the discovery of a mysterious canyon in the Campo Imperatore area, immersed in the silence and colors of the winter season. Participants can admire the majestic Gran Sasso mountain range and discover hidden, unspoiled places.
The Epiphany weekend between Lazio and Abruzzo is in conclusion a perfect opportunity to discover local traditions and enjoy a unique experience. With events ranging from living nativity scenes to Epiphany stunts, via marathons, solidarity events and gastronomic delights, all the provinces crossed by the A24 and A25 highways offer a varied and fascinating program for everyone, young and old.
For the cover and background PHOTO (The Chezette of Scanno) we thank Enzo Gentile.
