Rome, January 6, 2026 – Stockings filled, squares bustling, and the final opportunity to soak in the festive atmosphere. Today, January 6, 2026, Rome celebrates Epiphany, intertwining spirituality, popular tradition, and initiatives designed for families and children. From the Vatican to the historic center, including Piazza Navona, the city transforms into a grand open-air stage, featuring historical parades, markets, shows, and open museums.
Religious Celebrations and Traditional Parades
The day begins with one of the most solemn moments of the liturgical year. At 9:30 AM, in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope will preside over the Epiphany Mass. This year, the celebration holds particular significance as it also marks the conclusion of the Jubilee 2025. Following the service, as per tradition, at noon the Pontiff will appear on St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus prayer, in the presence of thousands of faithful.
Concurrently, the streets connecting Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican will host one of the most anticipated events of the Roman Epiphany: the historical parade “Viva la Befana”. Starting at 10:00 AM from Piazza Pia, a long procession will make its way along Via della Conciliazione to St. Peter’s Square. The protagonists will be the Three Wise Men, who this year symbolically arrive from Sicily, accompanied by costumed figures, knights, flag-wavers, musical bands, and allegorical floats with living nativity scenes.
The parade, involving associations and groups from various Italian regions, is conceived as a great moment of popular participation and volunteering, showcasing local traditions, historical costumes, and messages of solidarity. After the Angelus, around 12:15 PM, the Three Wise Men will pay homage to the Pope, symbolically bringing their gifts. The procession will conclude with the Befana, depicted as a reassuring and familiar figure, greeting children along the route. Participation is free; it is advisable to arrive early due to temporary traffic restrictions in the area.
The Befana Festival in Piazza Navona
The most popular and festive heart of Epiphany remains, as every year, Piazza Navona. Throughout January 6, the square hosts the traditional Befana Festival, with its large market attracting Romans and tourists alike. Among the stalls, visitors will find typical sweets, Befana stockings, toys, sugar charcoal, and artisanal objects, creating an atmosphere that ideally extends Christmas for a few hours. According to [romatoday.it](https://www.romatoday.it/politica/festa-piazza-navona-2025-eventi.html) and [secretroma.com](https://secretroma.com/festa-della-befana-piazza-navona/), the Piazza Navona market, which runs from December 1 to January 6, is a cornerstone of Rome’s holiday season, featuring artisanal crafts, toys, and traditional sweets. The official inauguration by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Councillor Monica Lucarelli took place on December 6, emphasizing the event’s focus on authentic craftsmanship and quality offerings. [funweek.it](https://www.funweek.it/roma-news-curiosita-eventi/befana-2025-2026-piazza-navona-roma/) also highlights the rich calendar of initiatives, including cultural, recreational, and educational activities for families and children, with special contributions from Rome’s libraries and local associations. The event will culminate with the traditional arrival of the Befana on January 6, a moment eagerly awaited by children. The market features four stands for decorations and nativity scenes, three for toys and artistic crafts, four for artisanal gift items, ten selling sweets, eight for Christmas trees and decorations, five exclusively for toys, and four for traditional food products. The event also includes institutional spaces with various city services and NGOs, promoting environmental initiatives, social support, and educational activities. The [comune.roma.it](https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/evento-assessorato-attivita-produttive-pari-opportunita/festa-di-piazza-navona-2025-2026.page) website further details the Milonga Natalizia per la Pace on December 20, a tango event organized by the Department of Productive Activities, Equal Opportunities, and Investment Attraction, and the ‘Roma Magia’ augmented reality experience, which allows visitors to transform into ancient Romans using AI technology. The Banda della Polizia Locale di Roma Capitale will perform on December 6, December 21, and January 4, adding to the festive ambiance.
The most anticipated moment is scheduled for early afternoon: at 2:00 PM, eyes will turn skyward for the arrival of the Befana, who will descend from above on her broom, amidst music and applause, to distribute candies and small gifts to children. This spectacle is primarily designed for the little ones but manages to captivate adults every year.
Throughout the day, Piazza Navona also hosts puppet shows, itinerant entertainment, animated readings, and creative workshops, in addition to performances by the Municipal Police Band. A nativity scene is also set up in one of the square’s spaces, open until the end of the festival. Admission is free. Given the large crowds, it is advisable to arrive early and dress appropriately, especially in the afternoon.
Museums and Culture: Holiday Openings
Epiphany can also be an opportunity to indulge in culture. On Tuesday, January 6, many museums and exhibition spaces in Rome will remain open, offering an ideal alternative in case of bad weather or for those seeking a quieter day. In the historic center, visitors can explore, among others, the Capitoline Museums, the Borghese Gallery, the Ara Pacis, the Museum of Rome at Palazzo Braschi, and MAXXI, all operating on holiday hours.
In addition to permanent collections, several venues host temporary exhibitions, with offerings suitable for families and children. Tickets follow ordinary rates: an average of 12 to 15 euros for full admission, with reductions for children and teenagers. In state museums, admission is often free for those under 18. It is advisable to check opening hours and access procedures in advance, especially for facilities requiring mandatory booking.
Major archaeological sites, such as the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, will also remain open on holiday hours, without extraordinary free admissions.
Events and Activities for Children and Families
Beyond Piazza Navona, the Roman Epiphany offers numerous initiatives designed for the youngest. At Villa Borghese, the Casina di Raffaello organizes Befana-themed creative workshops, with activities differentiated by age group: mornings for younger children, accompanied by parents, and later for older children, inspired by the world of fantasy and storytelling. Places are limited, and reservations are required; the cost is modest.
At Termini Station, in the spaces of the Mercato Centrale, a free pastry workshop for children is planned, during which participants can decorate a large stocking-shaped cookie with sprinkles and candies, then take it home as a souvenir.
Also at Villa Borghese, the San Carlino Theater dedicates the day to the Befana with a special family show: a reinterpretation of “The Nutcracker” enriched with puppets, actors, and the appearance of the Befana. Two performances are scheduled, one in the late morning and one in the afternoon; tickets are paid, and seats are limited.
At the Auditorium Parco della Musica, in the afternoon, the traditional Epiphany Concert for families will take place, featuring the JuniOrchestra of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia and a narrated and musical version of “Peter and the Wolf,” designed to engage children and adults alike.
Numerous other theaters, libraries, and bookstores in the center offer shows, animated readings, and activities dedicated to Epiphany. Some Christmas villages and ice-skating rinks also remain open, including the one at the Auditorium and the themed park set up at Villa Borghese.
Transportation and Traffic
As it is a public holiday, public transport will follow holiday schedules, with some enhancements. Additional services are planned on several bus lines heading towards the historic center and an increase in services on metro lines A and B. Free shuttles connecting the main railway stations to central areas and shopping districts will also be active.
The ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) of the Historic Center will remain active on January 6 during daytime hours, from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Temporary traffic restrictions are also expected in the Vatican area and along Via della Conciliazione during the morning, coinciding with the historical parade. To move more easily, the use of public transport is recommended.
