3730 Pennabilli - Soanne & la Befana ritarda

[LEFT]The ancient market town of Pennabilli lies beneath the northern slopes of Monte Carpegna. It was created in 1350 as a result of a fusion between the castles of Penna and Billi. Billi is said to be associated with the Etruscans, whereas Penna was once the seat of the Malatesta dynasty before the family became famous.
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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]The town now hosts a national antiques fair every July, but things to see include the Santuario dei pensieri, l’orto dei frutti dimenticati, il rifugio delle Madonne abbandonate and the santuario della Beata Vergine delle Grazie.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Just outside Pennabilli you will find the tiny hamlet of Soanne and the lago di Andreuccio. There’s a fascinating tradition (la Befana ritardata) associated with Soanne that relates to the Befana and her visits during the Epiphany.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Apparently, la Befana visits Soanne on the 6th February instead of 6th January, one month behind schedule in fact. In 1875 the area was completely cut off by heavy snow and Soanne risked running out of essential supplies. Yet the kids believed that the Befana would get through despite the weather and went to bed in eager anticipation. It was still snowing heavily the following morning, but no presents were to be seen and the kids felt they had been forgotten. By the morning of February 6th however, the roads were clear and the Befana managed to deliver her presents. She had not forgotten, but simply postponed all deliveries until she could get through. To this day, the Befana continues to bring gifts to Soanne on the 6th of February.[/SIZE][/FONT][/LEFT]