LateRooms.com - Charitable Befana Benefica procession 'unites motorcyclists in Milan'

LateRooms.com can announce that when people staying in Milan hotels think of motorcycling, the first thing that springs to mind could be men with beards and leather clothes riding Harley Davidsons.

However, anyone in the city next year may see a different side to the hobby.

Bright and early on January 6th 2010, the Befana Benefica will be taking place, which is a two-wheel charity procession winding though the streets of Milan.

Motor enthusiasts from all over Italy converge on the city to take part in this historic parade, as it was first established back in 1967 by the Moto Club Ticinese.

The idea was to hold a rally that would encourage the Milanese people to take care of each other and since then it has become an annual spectacle that brings people and their bikes together.

Starting in Piazza Duomo, the procession divides in two after listening to a speech from the mayor and receiving the blessings of the Bishop of Milan. These divisions head to different old people's homes and charity shelters in the city to offer gifts and tokens.

The tradition is kick-started by the arrival of the Befana in the square – an old woman who appears in style escorted by traffic wardens.

Elsewhere in the city, the Leonardo in Milan exhibition in Palazzo Marino is currently showing Leonardo Da Vinci's famous San Giovanni Battista painting, which is usually housed in the Louvre.

Jessica Reading, head of marketing for LateRooms, commented: "Demand for Befana Benefica is always significant and we recommend that anyone considering attending should book their hotel Milano as early as possible."