FREE Family Movie Night at Casa Belvedere
The Legend of The Christmas Witch
Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 – Program begins at 5:30 pm
Plan a magical family movie night at Casa Belvedere on Tuesday, Jan. 4 to see “The Legend of the Christmas Witch,” which tells a story about La Befana. Click here to watch the trailer. Admission is free; proof of vaccination is required for all guests. Light refreshments will be available for sale.
By day Paola is a schoolteacher but at night she turns into the Christmas Witch, a magical creature who brings gifts to good children on Little Christmas Eve. One night she disappears, kidnapped by Mr. Johnny, a cruel Toymaker whose childhood was ruined by the Witch and now seeks revenge. Six brave students learn her secret and embark on a rescue mission. Can they save Paola, and Christmas?
Santa Claus is known worldwide, but Italian children also celebrate the Christmas season with La Befana, a kind old witch who visits Italian children on her magic broom. According to the Italian legend that dates back to the 13th century, La Befana refused to join the Wise Men on their journey to see the baby Jesus. She regretted her decision and set out to bring gifts to the Child, but never finds him. Instead, she left gifts for other children.
The legend continues that every Epiphany Eve (January 5th), the old, tattered Befana flies around the world and comes down chimneys to fill stockings with candy and gifts for children who have been good during the year. Naughty children receive lumps of coal (typically black candy that looks like rocks.)