What to do for Epiphany in Bologna
Updated on 30 December 2024 From Bologna Welcome
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!
For art lovers, Bologna offers a wide range of extraordinary exhibitions during the 4-6 January long weekend. At the Pinacoteca Nazionale, the exhibition La favola di Atalanta. Guido Reni and the Poets explores the deep connection between painting and poetry in 17th-century Bologna
Contemporary painting enthusiasts cannot miss the exhibitions dedicated to Antonio Ligabue: one at the evocative Palazzo Pallavicini and the other in the splendid Palazzo Albergati.
At the Collezioni Comunali d'Arte, the photographic exhibition Alex Trusty. Contemporary Museum Watching showcases moments of intense contemplation in front of famous and lesser-known masterpieces. At the Archaeological Museum, instead, Martin Parr. Short & Sweet presents an ironic and personal look at contemporary society.
There are many more temporary exhibitions, however, and you can discover them all on the dedicated page.
Bologna reveals itself in all its beauty through unique cultural experiences and activities. Visit Palazzo Pepoli - Museum of the History of Bologna, where the tale of the city's historical roots comes to life in an interactive and evocative itinerary. Keep up to date on the official website for the many events open to the public even after the holidays!.
For those who prefer the outdoors, however, the Apennine mountains offer snowy panoramas and sporting activities such as skiing and snowshoeing: snow is here, enjoy it thanks to eXtraBO's Corno Express special package.
On 5 January at 9:00 pm, the Unipol Arena in Bologna hosts Bol on Ice, a spectacular fusion of figure skating and theatre performances.
During the Epiphany weekend, Disney movie lovers will be thrilled by Frozen in Concert, where a live orchestra accompanies the images of the famous animated film.
Finally, the extraordinary Slava's Snow Show returns to the Duse Theatre, a poetic and visual journey that enchants audiences of all ages.
From 2 to 6 January, Grand Tour Italia turns into a place of sweet surprises to celebrate Epiphany in a special way.At the Welcome Desk, you will be given a map that will guide you through the various points where, stage by stage, you will be able to receive a candy, a sweet or some coal! An experience designed to entertain children and adults alike!
The whole territories of the Metropolitan city also come alive with events dedicated to the Epiphany. In San Giovanni in Persiceto, you can finde the traditional burning of the Befana to the public shout ‘A brùsa la Vècia’ (Burn the Old Woman)! An evocative and convivial rite to greet the New Year.
In Vidiciatico, on the other hand, on 5 January, the Befana will wait you in front of the cinema handing out sweets just before special screenings designed for the whole family.