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The Newsletter 
Issue 26 2007
in the Arezzo Province
Includes Places to Stay for Autumn and Xmas 2007


 

Traveller has been staying amongst the olive and fig trees and vineyards of the Arezzo province and has been watching the colours in the landscape change as the seasons progress. When the harvests are gathered, the region known as the Val di Chiana and the Val di Chio may well have snow by Christmas; even then it is possible on some days to sit in the sun on the terrace.

For example light snow in Cortona last Christmas added to its magic. The passeggiata still buzzed as usual, expensive heavier coats came out to replace stylish summer dresses but Tuscans look just as stylish in winter and still dress as much for looking good, as for warmth.
 
In Tuscany, Christmas is more a religious celebration than a consumer spree and the churches are splendid sights, inside and out. Christmas Eve is the main celebration event.
The Epiphany is celebrated on the 6th January and is marked by La Befana (the good witch), who may visit your house and bring children candy or a piece of charcoal. The Epiphany" actually celebrates the three wise men who made the journey to visit the baby Jesus

The legend begins as the Magi (or the three kings or three wise men) were on their journey to bring presents for baby Jesus. On their way, they asked an old woman for food and drink, but the woman refused, and the Magi kept on walking. A while after they had gone, the woman realised what she had done, but it was too late because the Magi had gone. Now they say she disguises herself as a good witch who we call "La Befana" and rides on a broomstick looking for the baby Jesus, leaving candy for children on her way, or a piece of coal for those who have been naughty. As a result stockings are put out on the 6 January and  Italian children get presents on 25 December and 6 January. consumer spree and the churches are splendid sights, inside and out. Christmas Eve is the main celebration event.
The Epiphany is celebrated on the 6th January and is marked by La Befana (the good witch), who may visit your house and bring children candy or a piece of charcoal.  The Epiphany" actually celebrates the three wise men who made the journey to visit the baby Jesus