Illustration of a snowy town square with a lit Christmas tree, families in scarves and a snowman (Roghi delle Befane: "A brusa la Vecia!")

Roghi delle Befane: "A brusa la Vecia!"

2026 dates not announced yet. Details are from 2025.

Experience the unique 'Roghi delle Befane' tradition in San Matteo della Decima, where large straw effigies of 'La Vècia' are dramatically burned at dusk. This ancient rural custom, symbolizing the end of the old year and the birth of the new, is brought to life by local groups. Visitors can also witness children in traditional costumes reciting rhymes and enjoy local refreshments like mulled wine.

Details

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Plan Your Visit

Tickets

FREE

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

San Matteo della Decima

Food & Drink

Ristoro a base di vin brulè, vino, pane o crescente con salamini, ciccioli e mortadella available at some locations.

Going?

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Experiencing local traditions

Vibe

Festive and traditional

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive before dusk to secure a good viewing spot for the bonfires, as they start around 5 PM.
  • Dress warmly, as the events take place outdoors in January, and consider bringing cash for any refreshments offered.
  • Check the specific locations and times for each bonfire, as they are spread across San Matteo della Decima.
  • Embrace the local dialect by learning to shout 'A brùsa la Vècia!' along with the crowd.
  • Be aware that some locations may offer traditional food and drinks, adding to the authentic experience.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Traditional bonfires of 'La Vècia'
  • Children in costume reciting dialect rhymes
  • Local refreshments available at some locations
  • Construction of 'Befanini' effigies

Links & Contact

Run by Comune di San Giovanni in Persiceto

Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 'Roghi delle Befane'?

They are traditional bonfires where large straw effigies representing 'La Vècia' (the Old Woman) are burned, symbolizing the end of the old year and the welcoming of the new.

What is 'A brusa la Vecia!'?

It's a local dialect phrase shouted by the crowd during the bonfires, meaning 'Burn the Old Woman!'

Are there food and drinks available?

Yes, some locations offer a traditional refreshment stand with mulled wine, bread, and local specialties like salami and mortadella.

What is the significance of the Befana tradition?

The Befana tradition is linked to pagan agricultural customs, where the 'old woman' represents the past year, and her gifts symbolize the seeds for the new year's harvest.

Can children participate?

Absolutely! Children often dress up as 'fcén' (little old men) and go door-to-door reciting rhymes, and the events are family-friendly.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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