by In Trieste
Trieste as well as the rest of Italy celebrates the religious feast of the Epiphany, or the more popular folklore version of La Befana, on 6 January.
The Epiphany is a national holiday across Italy, with public offices closed, and marks the official end of the Christmas season.
In the Bible tradition the feast of the Epiphany is when the Three Wise Men arrive in Bethlehem bearing gifts for Baby Jesus on the 12th day of Christmas.
In the folk version the story goes that the wise men invited a witch-like woman, or strega, to join them on their journey to bring gifts to the Christ child.
She initially refused, due to being too busy with housework, but then tried to follow them. Unable to find Jesus the kind-hearted Befana gave the toys to other children.
As a national holiday and a holy day, public offices will be closed in Trieste on 6 January.
