Befana as delighted parade participants join in the cacophony. Sometimes, the Befanas dance with parade goers and dust down the willing as parade goers walk by. There are poems about Befana, which are known in slightly different versions throughout Italy. Here is one of the versions: "La Befana vien di notte"<br> "Con le scarpe tutte rotte"<br> "Col vestito alla romana"<br> "Viva, Viva La Befana!" The English translation is: "The Befana comes by night"<br> "With her shoes all tattered and torn"<br> "She comes dressed in the Roman way"<br> "Long live the Befana!" Another version is given in a poem by Giovanni Pascoli:
Christmas traditions outbreaks of religious conflict. The Islamic sect Boko Haram has attacked Christian churches with bombings on Christmas 2011. Christmas in South Africa is a public holiday celebrated on December 25. Many European traditions are maintained despite the distance from Europe. Christmas trees are set up in homes and the children are given presents in their stockings. Traditional 'fir' Christmas trees are popular and children leave a stocking or milk and cookies out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. The gift bearer is Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Towns and cities have Carols by Candlelight in the beginning of the festive