Epiphany events in Naples 2025: festivals, markets and children's activities

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Fabiana Chiocca

Fabiana Chiocca is a tireless explorer and a talented storyteller, with an innate passion for the traditions and treasures of Southern Italy. Originally from Campania, Fabiana has transformed her love of discovery into a career dedicated to tourism and writing, becoming an expert guide for anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the wonders of her land.

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In Naples, January 6 is no ordinary day. The feast of the Befana, which coincides with the Epiphany, represents a moment deeply felt by the city, capable of combining religious tradition, popular folklore and festive spirit. It is the last major event of the Christmas season, the one that symbolically closes the festivities and accompanies Neapolitans toward a return to everyday life.

A festive awakening

The day starts early. From the early hours of the morning, the city streets display a lively atmosphere: families with children, street vendors and visitors move through the bustling neighborhoods. I hag markets, particularly in the area of Market Square, they open early in the morning. Here you can find the traditional colored stockings, sweet coal, nougats, candies and small toys, unfailing elements of the holiday.

The sound of voices, the smell of sweets and the variety of colors make these areas true meeting points, where folk tradition manifests itself in all its authenticity.

The old town and the magic of the nativity scene

Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, the historical center of Naples remains one of the busiest places. The streets of San Gregorio Armeno, world-famous for nativity art, continue to attract tourists and citizens alike. The artisan workshops remain open, offering one last glimpse into the scenes of the Neapolitan nativity scene, which precisely on Epiphany Day finds its symbolic fulfillment with the arrival of the Three Kings.

To walk these streets is to immerse oneself in a timeless Naples, where the sacred and the profane coexist, and where the Befana fits in as a popular figure linked to the cycle of festivals.

The afternoon: the city comes together

In the afternoon, the party gets into full swing. Plebiscite Square becomes one of the main points of reference for city events. Initiatives dedicated especially to children are organized here: entertainment, shows, music and moments that attract families from all over the city.

The symbolic arrival of the Befana is one of the most anticipated moments: a figure who, with her funny and reassuring appearance, distributes sweets and gifts, giving smiles to the little ones. All around, the square fills with laughter, photographs and applause, in a collective festive mood.

The religious dimension

Alongside the civic and popular events, January 6 retains a strong religious value. Epiphany is a central feast in the Christian tradition, and in Naples it is celebrated with special participation. The city's churches host masses and moments of prayer, recalling the deep meaning of the day: the manifestation of Jesus to the world through the visit of the Magi.

This religious aspect is naturally intertwined with the nativity tradition, so deeply rooted in Neapolitan culture, making the day a balance of faith and folklore.

Neighborhoods and local festivals

In addition to the big city events, neighborhoods also experience Befana in a participatory way. In many areas of Naples, small neighborhood festivals, parish initiatives and get-togethers are organized. Befana thus becomes an opportunity to strengthen the sense of community, especially in the most popular settings.

Naples and the Befana: January 6 among folklore, faith and folk tradition

I typical Befana sweets represent one of the most beloved aspects of this tradition. Inevitable is the Epiphany stocking, filled with candy, chocolate, nougat and small sweets designed especially for children. Alongside these, there is no shortage of the classic soft coal, made of sugar or chocolate, which has a symbolic and playful meaning, never punitive. Also widespread are the homemade cookies, often spiced or decorated, prepared in the family just for the occasion. On the tables of the Epiphany, the following also find their place. nougats and crunchies, present throughout Italy, along with the dried fruit such as walnuts, almonds and dried figs, an ancient tradition linked to the winter season and the desire for abundance and good luck in the new year.

Befana in Naples is not just a children's holiday, but an event that encompasses history, tradition and cultural identity. January 6 becomes a special day when the city tells its story through its squares, streets and traditions, closing the cycle of holidays with joy, nostalgia and a final touch of magic.