Play On: A Global Tour Through Twelfth Night Festivities Chris Caggiano December 28, 2023 general, Holiday Travel Twelfth Night, or Epiphany Eve, represents a fascinating moment in cultural celebrations around the world. Taking place on January 5th, Twelfth Night traditionally marks the end of the Christmas festivities, leading into Epiphany, a day rich in historical and religious significance. Across various cultures, Twelfth Night is celebrated with a diversity of customs and traditions, symbolizing joy, renewal, and the conclusion of the holiday season. From communal feasting and performances to a range of distinct customs that blend the spiritual with the festive, explore the different facets of Twelfth Night. London, England Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night by Ralph Daily licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED In London, Twelfth Night is celebrated as a significant cultural event, marking the end of the Christmas season. This day, falling on the eve of Epiphany, is steeped in tradition and history. One of the most notable aspects of Twelfth Night in London is its connection to William Shakespeare’s play of the same name. Twelfth Night, believed to have been written as entertainment for this festive occasion, is often performed in theaters across the city, bringing to life the Elizabethan era’s customs and merriment. The play, with its themes of disguise, love, and festive revelry, captures the essence of the Twelfth Night celebrations. Londoners embrace this tradition by attending performances, which are sometimes held in historic venues. In addition to theater, the city observes Twelfth Night with various activities including feasting, singing, and the ceremonious taking down of Christmas decorations. France Galette des Rois In France, the celebration of Twelfth Night is a delightful affair, particularly notable in the region of Provence. Here, the end of the Christmas season and the arrival of Epiphany bring distinctive traditions to life. Central to the festivities is the Galette des Rois (king cake), a delicious pastry symbolizing the season. This cake, containing a hidden fève or bean, crowns the finder as king or queen for the day, complete with a paper crown. Provence adds its own regional flair to these celebrations. The Christmas period, known locally as jours compteurs, extends from early December to Candlemas (February 2nd), and Twelfth Night is a significant highlight. Traditionally, young people dress as shepherds and shepherdesses, attending Midnight Mass with drums and pipes, illuminating their path with torches. This picturesque scene is reminiscent of the historical journey to Bethlehem, captured in the French carol “Un Flambeau Jeanette-Isabella” (“Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella”). Spain El Día de los Reyes In Spain, El Día de los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) is a vibrant and joyous occasion, especially exemplified in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. On the evening of January 5th, the air is filled with excitement as colorful parades take to the streets. Mechanized floats bearing the figures of the three wise men — Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar — are a highlight, accompanied by a rain of sweets thrown to the eager crowds. Children eagerly participate in the festivities, placing their shoes outside their doors on the evening of the 5th, hoping for gifts from the wise men, akin to the tradition of Santa Claus. The tradition extends to writing letters to the kings and leaving snacks for their camels, embodying the innocence and magic of childhood beliefs. January 6th, the day following the parades, is a significant public holiday. Families gather to celebrate, marked by feasting and the sharing of Roscon de Reyes, a circular sweet bread adorned with sugar and dried fruits. This cake contains a small plastic king or queen, granting royal status for the day to the finder. Additionally, a bean is hidden inside; whoever finds it is humorously obliged to buy the cake the next year, adding a playful twist to the celebration. Greece Blessing of the waters, Greece In Greece, Twelfth Night, known as Theophaneia or Fota (“Lights”) is celebrated on January 6th. This day, significant for marking the baptism of Jesus, also symbolizes the official end of the Christmas period. A key ritual across Greece during this time is the blessing of the waters. Worshipers gather at the nearest sea, lake, river, or even water depots, where Orthodox priests throw a Holy Cross into the water. Swimmers dive in to catch the cross, a deed considered highly honorable and believed to bring good luck for the coming year. Twelfth Night features many significant regional practices as well. The island of Lefkada has the distinctive custom of the holy oranges. Here, the priest throws a batch of oranges, tied together on a string, into the water for purification. These oranges are then placed next to the icons in churches across the island. In Northern Greece, particularly in Kastoria, Ragoutsaria is a carnival-like event that sees locals, young and old, dressing up in costumes, dancing in the streets, and feasting. As part of the Fotarades custom in the villages of Halkidiki, a man, symbolizing the “king,” wears a traditional cape called Talagani and is guarded by men known as fotarades. They protect a sausage placed in the village square from crowds trying to steal it. In the village of Kali Vrisi in Drama, locals celebrate the Babugeri custom. On Epiphany Eve, people wear zoomorphic masks, dance in the streets, and playfully interact with passers-by, symbolizing the banishing of Christmas goblins and evil spirits. Italy La Befana In Italy, the celebration of Twelfth Night is closely intertwined with the legend of La Befana. This figure, often depicted as a kind-hearted old woman, plays a central role in the festivities. On the night of January 5th, La Befana flies on her broomstick, visiting children to fill their stockings, which are traditionally left hanging by the fireplace. Depending on whether the children have been good or not throughout the year, they receive either sweets or coal. In Venice, the Regata della Befana is a distinctive and lively event. Here, people dressed as La Befana participate in a rowing race along the Grand Canal. Meanwhile, in Verona, the rogo della vecia ceremony involves burning a large puppet, symbolizing the end of the holiday season. Rome also hosts its distinct celebrations. The Corri per la Befana event in Parco degli Acquedotti, a competitive 10-kilometer race held on January 6th, adds a sportive spirit to the festivities. Additionally, a costume parade near Castel Sant’Angelo in Piazza Navona offers a colorful spectacle, embodying the festive atmosphere of the occasion. You Might Also Enjoy: Need a Break From Christmas? Check These Other Winter Holidays! New Orleans, Louisiana King Cake In New Orleans, Twelfth Night is not just a day of celebration but the vibrant beginning of the much-anticipated Carnival season. This transition from the Christmas season to Mardi Gras features distinctive events and traditions unique to the city. The festivities commence with a press conference and a king cake party hosted by the mayor at the historic Gallier Hall, an iconic building, witness to many Mardi Gras parades since 1857. Representatives from all the major parades in the city gather here, signaling the start of a season filled with color and excitement. As the evening unfolds, the streets of the French Quarter come alive with parades. One of the highlights is the Joan of Arc parade, which moves through the heart of the Quarter, followed by the Société Des Champs Elysée parade along the Rampart – St. Claude Avenue streetcar line. Adding to the charm, the Phunny Phorty Phellows and the Funky Uptown Krewe hold their particular parades on streetcars, each group bringing its own flair to the celebrations. A special highlight is the Twelfth Night Revelers’ ball at the Orpheum Theater, a private event hosted by the city’s second-oldest Carnival organization. In a nod to European traditions, a giant cake is rolled out, and slices are distributed to young ladies. The one who finds the golden bean in her slice is declared queen for the season, while others, who receive silver beans, become her maids. Twelfth Night also marks the beginning of the king cake season. These traditional cakes, once simple and dry, have evolved into tempting treats, often filled with various flavors. The ritual of sharing king cakes extends throughout the Carnival season, ending on Mardi Gras. FAQs: Q: What is the best time to arrive for the Twelfth Night parades in New Orleans? A: To secure a good viewing spot for the parades, it’s advisable to arrive at least an hour or two before the scheduled start. Parades often begin in the early evening. Q: Are there any special foods associated with Twelfth Night in the UK? A: Besides the Twelfth Night Cake, traditional foods include mulled wine and a variety of festive treats that vary by region. Q: Is La Befana celebration in Italy suitable for all ages? A: Yes, La Befana celebrations are family-friendly, with activities and entertainment suitable for all ages, including children. Q: Do I need tickets for Twelfth Night events in Venice, Italy? A: The Regata della Befana along the Grand Canal is free to watch. However, some specific events or venues in Venice might require tickets. Q: What should I wear to Twelfth Night celebrations in colder climates? A: Dress warmly in layers, especially in outdoor celebrations in colder regions. Comfortable footwear is also recommended. Q: Can tourists participate in the water blessing ceremonies in Greece on Epiphany? A: Yes, tourists are welcome to observe and, in some cases, participate in these ceremonies. However, it’s important to respect local customs and practices. Q: Are there any language barriers to consider when attending Twelfth Night celebrations internationally? A: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, having a basic understanding of the local language can enhance the experience. Many event organizers also provide information in multiple languages. Have you participated in any of these Twelfth Night activities? Tell us about it in the comments below!
