Advent Traditions "Engele Bengele" 

Christmas festivities are celebrated everywhere, but South Tyrol stands out for the wealth of traditions that have always been handed down during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Advent is the time of waiting for Baby Jesus, felt most strongly by children, but rich in rituals that involve everyone. One custom that knows no age and is an unmissable appointment, from kindergartens to community centers for the elderly, is 'Engele–Bengele'.

It is a cheerful gift exchange among people who usually spend time together – friends, colleagues, or families – and an opportunity to exchange best wishes for the holiday season. Typically, a couple of weeks before Christmas, participants write their names on slips of paper, which are folded several times to keep them hidden, and then mixed. Each person draws one slip with the name of the person to whom they must give a gift, without revealing it to the others.Engele, the “little angel” who gives the gift, andBengele, the one who receives it, thus remain anonymous to the rest of the group. In this way, everyone both gives and receives a gift – a celebration for all without spending too much!

To make it even fairer, the same method can be used to set a spending limit: each participant writes down an amount of money, and the one drawn determines the maximum budget. This way, there are no differences between those who can spend more or less, highlighting the social and festive nature of the tradition. Sometimes, the person who comes closest to the set budget is rewarded with a free drink from the group or simply praised for their skill in finding the perfect gift.

The exchange of gifts usually takes place on the last day of school or work, or during a pre-Christmas toast to exchange greetings. This tradition is much loved because it allows people to celebrate Christmas with those they regularly see and share bonds of friendship.

Image: Bolzano Bozen Christmasmarket, Courtesy Daniele Fiorentino