Piazza Navona for Befana

Here is a picture of Piazza Navona on January 6, 2007. The Piazza is filled with games and toys for the christmas celebration that ends on January 6, which is the Befana. Here is the story of the Befana as told by Kristin Thoennes in the book Christmas in Italy:

"Many Italian children believe in the Befana (bay-FAH-nah). Befana is a kind, old witch. Some Italians say that the three kings invited Befana to Bethlehem to honor Jesus. Befana said she was too busy.
Later, Befana changed her mind. She filled a sack with treats and toys for Jesus. Befana rode her broom looking for Jesus. But she did not find the newborn. Befana still looks for Jesus on Epiphany every year. Befana stops at every house with a child to see if the child is Jesus. She leavs a gift for each child."

Italian children believe in another character. His name is Babbo Natale.