The Italian-American community has brought its share of holiday traditions to the United States, and there are some who still remember the story of Befana, the Santa Claus of Italy. The legend is a favorite of Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, who was happy to relate this piece of folklore.
“The Befana story is basically an ancient story from southern Italy,” he said, adding that the story connects legends of a supernatural gift giver with the more religious aspect of the season. The story opens on a sad note, with Befana in mourning.
