Pisa celebrates the Befana with a historical re-enactment that combines tradition and solidarity. On Tuesday, 6 January 2026, the Re-enactment of the Befana by the Traffic Police and the Vespa Club returns, an event open to the public that will enliven the streets of the city centre and neighbourhoods.

This tradition dates back to the 1950s when it became customary to visit the traffic police stations, located at the centre of intersections at important points in the city, to bring them gifts. This tradition had a double meaning: gratitude for the work done by the traffic police in the city and solidarity with the less well-off. In the days that followed, some of the gifts received from the public were donated to charity by the traffic police.

The initiative is sponsored by Comune di Pisa, Polizia Municipale di Pisa, Vespa Club d’Italia, Vespa Club Pisa, Ape Club Italia – Sezione di Pisa, Scuderia Automobilistica Kinzica, Ridolina e Piaggio Motorteam.

The programme

9.00 a.m. - Participants and historic vehicles begin to gather in Piazza Garibaldi and Ponte di Mezzo.

9.30 a.m. - Start of the collection of gifts and toys together with the Befana and the officer in period uniform. The gifts will be delivered in the following days to the young patients of the “Stella Maris” healthcare facilities in Calambrone and the Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Department of the Aoup

11.30 a.m. - Parade of vintage vehicles through the city, escorted by municipal police officers on motorcycles, towards the Giardino dei Nuovi Nati in Via Umberto Viale, in the Pisanova district. This will be followed by the delivery of sweets and toys to the children and entertainment with the Clown Doctors of the “Ridolìna” association.

1 p.m. - Distribution of hot refreshments for participants on two wheels at the premises of the Piaggio Motorteam Pisa dealership.