Europe

What We Do

Italy: Epiphany and La Befana

While many around the world look forward to visits from Santa on Christmas Eve, Italian children expect to receive gifts from La Befana on Epiphany Eve. La Befana, similarly to Santa Claus, rewards children who have been nice with sweets and children who have been naughty with lumps of coal. Italians celebrate her and the Three Wise Men’s arrival on January 6 by parading from Florence to Milan in Renaissance costumes.

France: Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights, celebrated in tribute to the Virgin Mary, lasts for four days in December. Up to four million people visit Lyon, France to view the tens of thousands of lights placed all around the city. The festival also includes activities such as an evening light show at the Place des Terreaux and the vibrant lighting of the Basilica of Fourvière.

What We Do

Greece: Kalamata International Dance Festival

Kalamata, a town on the very border of Greece, hosts an annual dance festival every July. This celebration of modern dance and art showcases dancers from all over the globe, creating a mélange of artistic passion and cultural expression.