“La Befana del Vigile” returns to Verona on 6 January 2023 Events in Verona
The traditional “Befana del Vigile” returns to Verona on 6 January 2023, an event organized by the “Al Calmiere” social cooperative society and the local police. The “Befana del Vigile” has been a widespread tradition in many police commands in large cities. Born after the war, to collect food and gifts to distribute to the needy and at the same time to recognize the commitment of the policemen to the service of the city, it consisted of bringing a gift to the policeman on the platform according to one’s availability, generally food, like a pandoro or a box of potatoes, but also household appliances and other objects, as evidenced by photos in the historical archives of the local police.
The program
For everyone, runners, cyclists, cars and motorcycles, the meeting point is January 6, 2023 starting at 9.30 in Piazza San Zeno in front of the Basilica. Vehicles and motorbikes built before 1973 (or whose model was in production under data account) in excellent state of conservation and presentability. To better interpret the spirit of re-enactment, sedans, family cars and “commercials” will be preferred, i.e. those vehicles which at the time actually carried gifts. Registrations from 9.30 in the premises of the Al Calmiere Cooperative.
The departure will take place in at least two groups. The first punctual at 10.45, the other then to follow. The route: from Piazza San Zeno, first crossing the Risorgimento bridge, then continuing along Lungadige Campagnola so as to cross Ponte della Vittoria, and then on the preferential taxi/bus lane of Corso Cavour, passing in front of Castelvecchio and then “as always” via along Stradone Porta Palio, Largo degli Scalzi, Via della Valverde, Corso Porta Nuova. Once in Piazza Brà/Via Roma intersection, the gifts will be deposited next to the historic platform.
The exhibition of the cars: until 12.30 in front of the Palazzo della Gran Guardia, next to the Town Hall, where the traditional exchange of greetings with the authorities will take place. Participation: The number agreed and permitted by the current safety provisions is 45 cars and 12 motorbikes.
Runners and cyclists
Free departure from Piazza San Zeno, calculating arrival in Piazza Brà (coming from San Luca) approximately from 11.30 onwards. Participation fee: for everyone, runners, cyclists, cars and motorbikes: each one brings a gift, which the policemen will give to the Friars of San Bernardino for people in difficulty. So yes to pandoro or spumante, but also and above all edible necessities, such as pasta, oil, preserves, etc.
Participation of the Oncological Hemopathic Child Association
The “Befana” will once again involve children and families with the intention of giving them a day of serenity and joy. To make them participate as protagonists in the parade, the Atv Foundation and the spouses Daniela and Dario Bosio of the Lega Antichi Motori, friends from Brescia who are passionate about historic “commercial” vehicles, have offered the availability of two vintage coaches on which to get them all together.