The Befana flies over Piazza della Signoria
As has always been the case every year, before the pre-pandemic period, the Befana of the Fire Brigade returns to fly to Piazza della Signoria in Florence. This is what will happen on the afternoon of January 6, as part of the by now traditional event dedicated to the children of Florence and those passing through the city. The invitation, addressed to all the children, is to show up in the square at 3.00 pm: shortly after the Befana she will demonstrate considerable acrobatic skills, descending from the terrace above the Loggia and distributing candies and sweets to the little spectators. In the difficult aerial descent, the old and magical lady will not be alone: together with her, to help her, there will be five valiant firefighters.
The enterprise, which has the patronage of the Municipality of Florence, will be possible thanks to the logistical support of the Uffizi Galleries and the commitment of the operational and administrative staff of the Regional Directorate and the Command of the Fire Brigade of Florence together with the Association National Firefighters Section Florence and the Old Glories of historic Florentine football. In addition to cheering families, the event also has a social objective: The National Association of Firefighters and the Old Glories of Florentine historic football will collect free offers to be used for the protection and conservation of the historical and artistic heritage: the Green of the Garden of Boboli damaged by recent atmospheric calamities.
However, this year the initiative also sees the fundraising for the Associazione la Stanza Next, founded by parents whose children have passed away prematurely and who support other parents whose children are in less fortunate social and health conditions. The one in Piazza Signoria will not be the only Florentine appointment of the Epiphany. First, in fact, they will appear at the Meyer pediatric hospital: a highly anticipated moment by her little guests, who every year, on January 6, see her land directly in the ward and who have now baptized her The Flying Befana. The legendary old lady will distribute sweets and toys to them, donated by the staff of the Fire Brigade Command of Florence and by the National Fire Brigade Association.
“The Uffizi renews what has by now become a long-awaited fixed appointment by children and Florentines – comments the director of the Uffizi Galleries Eike Schmidt – therefore we hope a lively participation of the citizens hoping to see everyone again soon also at the Boboli Gardens which, thanks to the initiative of the Fire Brigade Command, you will receive some trees to replace those damaged by the recent natural disasters”.
The Commander of the Fire Brigade of Florence Ing. Marisa Cesario, recently settled in Florence underlined how “The initiative, in addition to representing the return to normal social sharing, is consistent with the spirit and values of the CNVVF, so as to collect the enthusiastic participation of the Command staff, who in recent days have been divided between ordinary urgent technical assistance and preparation for the demonstration. to be close to Florence and its citizens, in the certainty that the safeguarding of artistic heritage can also represent a moment of rebirth and hope after calamitous events. I also like to point out that we have welcomed with great pleasure the request of the Vecchie Glorie del Calcio Storico Fiorentino who support the non-profit association called La Stanza Next, which sees parents whose children are always present in their respective hearts and who have destined every day of one’s life to make a “Befana” in solidarity with one’s neighbor in memory of these children who died prematurely”.
All that remains is to celebrate, with a spirit of rebirth, normality and generosity! The descent of the Befana will start around 3.00 pm to finish after sunset.