Jody Valet

In Italy, the holiday celebrations do not end on Christmas Day. They continue through the Epiphany on January 6, which for many Italians has traditionally been a bigger and more important celebration than Christmas itself. The Epiphany marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men — and with it comes the tradition of La Befana.

Today is the feast day of Santa Lucia (St. Lucy). St. Lucy is a special patroness for Sicilian Americans in Kansas City. To honor her, we eat cuccia, as no pasta, bread, or refined wheat is consumed on her feast day.

We’re back on the road across the United States, exploring Italian American traces, stories, and people in each of the 50 states. Today we stop in Kansas City, home to a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating its Italian roots.