Yesterday was the festa of Befana, celebrated in Italy on Epiphany and although I have asked many people the origin of this witchy woman on a broomstick bringing sweets and coal to children, I have been told conflicting stories of her origins. According to someone in the hairdressers, she was spotted at the scene of the nativity, others claim she is pagan and comes down the chimney like Babbo Natale. All very confusing. However, what I know for certain is that she brings another national holiday, the chance to be together with friends and the food is always delicious. And yesterday Stefania's party in the elegant borgo storico seghetti panichi was no exception. Italian-esque sandwiches created from a light savory panetone-shaped bread, then re-stacked together to form the original cupola shape. So ingenious. The tea was delicate and there was a choice of shape of cup. I love this attention to detail, the way her family have adopted the English tea ceremony and embellished it, leaving out any British sang froid and instead adding flamboyance and fun. Thank you Stefania for a wonderful Befana party.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Stefania's Befana party
Yesterday was the festa of Befana, celebrated in Italy on Epiphany and although I have asked many people the origin of this witchy woman on a broomstick bringing sweets and coal to children, I have been told conflicting stories of her origins. According to someone in the hairdressers, she was spotted at the scene of the nativity, others claim she is pagan and comes down the chimney like Babbo Natale. All very confusing. However, what I know for certain is that she brings another national holiday, the chance to be together with friends and the food is always delicious. And yesterday Stefania's party in the elegant borgo storico seghetti panichi was no exception. Italian-esque sandwiches created from a light savory panetone-shaped bread, then re-stacked together to form the original cupola shape. So ingenious. The tea was delicate and there was a choice of shape of cup. I love this attention to detail, the way her family have adopted the English tea ceremony and embellished it, leaving out any British sang froid and instead adding flamboyance and fun. Thank you Stefania for a wonderful Befana party.
