Today in Italy we celebrate the Befana, a holiday of pagan origins that celebrated female deities who gave fertility by flying over fields. Starting from the 4th century AD, the Church demonized these deities, labeling them as witches (even today, in some Italian squares the witch's bonfire of the Befana takes place after a mock trial). Despite the persecution, Befana has survived to this day, although it has been transformed into a ugly and old witch. #Befana #Italy #happynewyear