In Italy the symbol of the Day of the Holy Three Kings is an old lady called la Befana. On the eve of January 6th this characteristic creature on a broomstick, looking more like a witch than a kind grandmother, visits the children to fill their socks with candies (if they had been good) or lump of coal (if they had been bad).
This nice folklore custom means the end of holiday season and Christmas markets, that I have to say were numerous in Piedmont. Only in Langhe and Roero I visited Govone, Neive and Alba and below you will find my photo review.
Govone is a small town in Roero region, and its main attraction is a royal residence left by Savoya family. This seventeenth century castle, one of many summer residences of the king Carlo Felice, with surrounding park created a beautiful scenery for little houses full of Christmas decorations, handcrafted products and other typical bazaar stuff.
Whereas on the narrow streets and small squares of charming Neive colorful stands pop up like mushrooms after a rain shower. Sellers offered sweets, jewellery, hand-made decorations or old china.
Alba organized a small one-day bazaar on Piazza Risorgimento and via Cavour.
