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La Befana has been flying around the world on her tattered broomstick to swoop down chimneys and deliver sweet or sooty judgment on girls and boys long before Kris Kringle.The witch has been in the Italian tradition at least since the eighth century, as part of the Epiphany.
In Italy, the Epiphany marks the official end of the Christmas season, commemorating the day when the three Wise Men arrived at the manger bearing gifts. Every year, the occasion is celebrated with living nativity scenes, a great procession through the city center, and - most exciting for the sweet tooths among us - the arrival of La Befana.
According to the story, the four figures' fates were intertwined when the Magi happened upon La Befana early on during their quest. She charitably hosted them for an evening in her humble but cozy cottage; the next morning, they invited her to accompany them to Bethlehem. Busy cleaning her home, La Befana declined at first - but then, after they carried on their way - she had second thoughts. She quickly filled a basket with gifts for the baby Jesus and set off alone. Although she followed the same star, she was unable to find the manger before the Wise Men did on January 6, the Epiphany.
Today, La Befana continues to travel the world on Epiphany Eve, searching every house for the child and leaving candies and chocolates for the good children - just coal for the bad - in her wake.
Click on this link to hear the story of La Befana as retold by author Tommy DePaola. Play it for your children and grandchildren. Enjoy!
We would like to thank all of the following sponsors of our Italian Festival for their support:
Entertainment Sponsors: ($500 level)
- Investor's Bank
Rt. 9
Marlboro, NJ 07746
(732) 617-7229
Ride Sponsors: ($200 level)
- WAWA
Rt. 9 South
Freehold, NJ - Mr. Joseph Stefanelli
- My Greener Dry Cleaner
Rt. 79
Marlboro, NJ 07746
Game Sponsors: ($100 level)
- Carlo's Gourmet Pizzeria, Restaurant & Caterers
326 Union Hill Road
Rt 9 North
Marlboro, NJ
(732) 536-6070 - Cracked Olive Market
37 Main Street
Holmdel, NJ
(732) 946-4115 - Conforti's Bakery
632 Mantaloking Rd.
Brick, NJ 08723
732-903-6181 - Deal Credit Corp. - Personal Auto Financing
174 Main st.
Eatontown, NJ
732-442-2877 - Gregory & Danett Cinque
- Happy Cleaners
340 Rt. 9 N (Exclusive Plaza)
Englishtown, NJ
(732) 617-8500 - Janney Montgomery Scott,LLC
Investments
(212) 829-3837
jmcgrath@janney.com - Jersey Lube
380 Rt. 9 N
Marlboro, NJ
(732) 851-6760 - Key Food Stores
300 Gordon's Corner Road
Manalapan, NJ 07726 - Lobster House
300 Mounts Corner Drive
Freehold, NJ
(732) 677-3988 - Mr. Frank Laurciella, Accountant
(732) 525-3191 - Pastosa Ravioli
Union Hill Road
Manalapan, NJ - Saker Shop Rite
922 Highway 33
Bldg. 6 Suite 1
Freehold, NJ - Wine Room
227 Rt. 33
Manalapan, NJ 07726
(732) 792-7007 - A Personal Touch Event Planning, LLC
(732) 536-5832
Paesano of the Festival ($50 level)
- Mario Patti
- Bacos Pizza
358 Mounts Corner Drive
Freehold, NJ - Basiles
536 Park Avenue
Freehold, NJ
(732) 866-4085 - Bella Vista Hair & Nails
26 Thoreau Drive
Freehold, NJ 07728 - DiBartolo's Quick Stop
160 East Newmans Springs Road
Red Bank, NJ
(732) 224-9351 - DNR Heating & Air
173 Windham Way
Freehold, NJ
(732) 462-5213 - Dusal's Pizzeria
340 Union HiIl Road
Manalapan, NJ
(732) 536-4089 - Figaro 2
344 Union Hill Road
Manalapan, NJ
(732) 972-2600 - Fresh Cuts Lawn
(908) 670-4790 - Magic Cleaner
162 Rt 34
Matawan, NJ
(732) 264-9595 - McLauglin's Auto Repair
139 Rt. 9 South
Marlboro, NJ
(732) 591-0329 - Mr. Joe Barbone
- Mr & Mrs Albert Petruccio
- Mr. & Mrs. Vinnie Russo
- Mrs. Lisa Van Heet
- Nadia's Family Hair Salon
14 Wilson Avenue Suite 3
Englishtown, NJ
(723)446-7211 - Santander Bank
345 Unio Hill Road
Manalapan, NJ
(732) 617-4080
Donations
- Wegman's
Rt. 9 S
Manalapan, NJ - Whole Foods
Rt. 9 S
Marlboro, NJ - Fire Side Grill & Bar
Rt 79
Marlboro, NJ 07746 - Monster Mini Golf
Rt 9 North (Exclusive Plaza)
Marlboro, NJ - The Cucciniello Family
Member jacket sale!
IAA member jackets are now available for IAA members to purchase. Please refer to the two color choices that are available and indicate your choice on your order form. Checks are made payable to the IAA of MC and mailed to: IAA of MC, P.O. Box 224, Marlboro, NJ 0746 attention: Maria Grossi.
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The Italian American Youth Group is sponsored by the Italian American Association of Monmouth County and consists of teens and young adults ages 13-20. The club promotes Italian culture, traditions and pride and provides community service and support for local charities. Check out the flier for more details.
