Italy¢¥s legendary Befana, the gift-giving witch, paid a spectacular visit to children at the Taranto hospital on Wednesday.

Befana is a popular figure from Italian forklore, and she delivers gifts and sweets to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve which is the night of January 5. The custom is very similar to that of Santa Claus on Christmas.

The woman named Donatella is a member of the Italian Alpine Rescue team, and she decided to bring some cheer to the sick children. She dangled from a cable that is normally used for cave rescuers, and she waved as children and pediatric ward watched and cheered.

Difficult words: forklore (the traditional beliefs and customs of a community), dangle (to hang loosely), pediatric ward (the hospital staff who take care of children).