Verona is preparing for a weekend of events and entertainment to celebrate the Epiphany, bringing historic traditions and family-friendly activities to the city on January 6. One of the highlights is “La Befana del Vigile,” a cherished Verona tradition returning to Piazza Bra.
“La Befana del Vigile” began as a tradition to collect food and gifts for those in need, while also acknowledging the dedication of local police officers to the city. In earlier years, participants left gifts for the officer on duty at a designated platform, ranging from pandoro and potatoes to electrical appliances, as seen in archival images from the local police.
Since 2009, the event has played a central role in Verona’s holiday season through a partnership with the Al Calmiere cooperative. This collaboration ensures donations are distributed to those in need via the San Bernardino Friars Minor canteen. Citizens and visitors can leave their contributions at the traffic officer’s station in Piazza Bra between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
HappyFania for the whole family
HappyFania 2025 will turn Piazza Bra into a magical space filled with music, circus performances, and storytelling for families. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., the festivities start with Happy Music, an interactive concert where families can participate by playing instruments or everyday objects to create a collective symphony.
At 4:45 p.m., Happy Circus will bring dazzling performances featuring luminous butterflies and fairy-like dancers, setting the stage for Happy Singing at 5:00 p.m. This segment will showcase the Coro Cellule, a choir of 40 young voices, enchanting the audience with their joyful melodies.
As the evening progresses, Happy Dancing at 5:45 p.m. will feature an energetic Hip-Hop performance by the Icey Dance Studio, followed by more circus wonders at 5:50 p.m., including acrobats and jugglers reenacting humanity’s first journey to the moon.
At 6:00 p.m., the stunning video mapping event Happy Tale will light up Palazzo Barbieri, narrating the Befana legend through dazzling visuals. The celebration will culminate at 6:10 p.m. with Happy Theatre, a theatrical performance featuring the Magi and the Befana, brought to life in collaboration with Casa Shakespeare.
