What to do for Epiphany in Bologna

Broken stockings, coal on her shoulders, a leek on her nose... but lots of goodness in her bag. The "Befana" - the witch-like old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy - is arriving on Epiphany Eve!

Discover Bologna during the Epiphany long weekend with our tips to experience the city through exhibitions, experiences, theatre and family-friendly activities!

Temporary Exhibitions

During the January 3-6 long weekend, Bologna offers art lovers a wide range of outstanding exhibitions.

• At the Pinacoteca Nazionale, the exhibition The discreet charm of drawing represents a valuable contribution to the public heritage and the completion of the museum’s collections, offering an important overview of Italian graphic art from the Renaissance to the twentieth century.
• Art history enthusiasts should not miss Michelangelo and Bologna at Palazzo Fava, which explores the relationship between Michelangelo Buonarroti and the city through original works, historical casts, drawings, ancient books and archival documents, offering a broad yet analytical perspective on the evolution of Michelangelo’s genius.
• At the Museo Civico Medievale, the major monographic exhibition Bartolomeo Cesi (1556–1629). The Painting of Silence in the Age of the Carracci presents over 30 works divided into three thematic sections - a valuable opportunity to rediscover one of the leading figures of Bolognese figurative culture between the Renaissance and the Baroque.
• Don’t miss the final days of the temporary (free!) exhibition at Palazzo Pepoli, The Times They Are A-Changin’, where art and history intertwine to tell the story of the spirit of renewal during the years of the Second Vatican Council. The exhibition features artefacts, photographs and memories, enriched by works by major figures of contemporary art such as Munari, Burri, Manzoni, Schifano, Isgrò, Fontana, Yves Klein and many others.

And that’s not all - discover all temporary exhibitions on the dedicated page

Experiences

• On Saturday, January 3 at 10:00 am, take part in Around the Garisenda – Oratory of Santa Cecilia Itinerary, a guided route exploring the most important Renaissance fresco cycle in Bologna, created by masters such as Francesco Francia, Lorenzo Costa and Amico Aspertini.
• For the Epiphany long weekend, also take advantage of the special opening of the Music Museum, open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, with a guided journey through six centuries of musical history and a focus on the exhibition The Master who saved Music, dedicated to the life and achievements of Stanislao Mattei.
  
• Those who prefer the outdoors can head to the Apennines, among snowy landscapes and winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. Snow has arrived - make the most of it with the special Corno Express package by eXtraBO.

Shows

• On January 4 at 9:00 pm, Hairspray – The Broadway Musical comes to Teatro Duse. Set in the 1960s, the show focuses on integration, inclusion and the fight for recognition of diversity - a lively performance highlighting struggles that remain relevant today.
• On January 6 at 6:00 pm, also at Teatro Duse, The Snow Queen arrives, a Fantateatro production freely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. With striking visual impact, evocative sets, special effects, dance and music, it transports audiences into a magical, festive world.
• There are also many events for younger audiences, such as A Magical Christmas with Carolina, the new musical show starring Carolina Benvenga, on stage Tuesday, January 6 at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm at Teatro Celebrazioni.

La Befana Across the Area

The surrounding metropolitan area also comes alive with events - with La Befana taking centre stage!

Most of these events are in Italian only, but they still offer a magical experience to enjoy and share as a family.

Apennines

• In the Apennine areas, families can enjoy festive moments such as La Befana’s arrival at Cinema di Vidiciatico (Lizzano in Belvedere) on January 4 at 3:30 pm, followed by a lottery and gift stockings for all children.
• In Gaggio Montano, the traditional Living Nativity of Pietracolora returns on January 4.
• In Zola Predosa, on January 6, La Befana arrives in Riale at 9:30 am (Centro Falcone) with a magic show and gift stockings; in the afternoon at 3:00 pm, a children’s show The Ghost of the best Christmas takes place in the Municipal Hall’s Sala dell’Arengo.
• In Marzabotto, until Sunday January 11 visitors can explore the Village of Nativity Scenes in Sibano.

Imola Area

• For Epiphany in Imola, La Befana arrives in Piazza Matteotti from 3:30 pm with the traditional descent of the Befanas of the Italian Alpine Club from the windows of the Town Hall.
• In Castel San Pietro Terme, the evocative Living Nativity Scene and the arrival of the Magi take place on January 6 starting at 9:00 am.
• In Dozza, the Magi take centre stage with a costumed procession and the reenactment of the Nativity, from the Church of San Lorenzo to Piazza Zotti.

Flatland Area

• In Calderara di Reno, at Centro Sociale Bacchi, La Befana arrives on January 6 at 4:00 pm with panettone, pandoro, hot chocolate, mulled wine and a free children’s show, followed by the traditional bonfire A brusa la Vecia.
• Don’t miss La Befana Maggi of Sant’Agata Bolognese, featuring an impressive bonfire at sunset, fireworks and a festive food celebration.
• On Tuesday, January 6, La Befana arrives for the first time in San Vincenzo (Galliera): meet at 11:30 am in Piazza del Manzatico for gift stockings for all children and many surprises organised by the local associations.