Once upon a time, at the arrival of the Funicular to San Vigilio in Bergamo, there was a very special family. It was not just another family, for they were-giant teddy bears! Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear always sat outside the St. Vigil Baretto, welcoming tourists and customers with their soft embrace. Everyone loved them: young and old alike would stop to take pictures, sit by them, and smile with them.

But one day something unexpected happened. It was a cold winter evening when two shady individuals stole Mama and Papa Bear, leaving Baby Bear alone. The puppy was left alone and frightened, and all the Baretto’s friends also felt sad about his fate. “Don’t worry, baby,” Beppe from Baretto heartened him, “we will do everything to help you. So, the next day, the story of the stolen Orsi family was told to everyone: from house to house, from message to message, even ending up on the news.

The Baretto’s customers and friends began to bring other soft puppets to St. Vigil to keep Little Bear company, and the community showed incredible affection. But Little Bear had a wish in his heart. So one evening he took pen and paper and wrote to the Befana: “Dear Befana, my name is Teddy Bear and I am alone. Someone took my stuffed parents away. I know you are very busy, but could you help me find a family? I would be happy if they were my real parents, but if you couldn’t find them I would just need someone who loves me.”

The letter flew into the starry sky and came straight to the Befana, who smiled. “What a sweet Little Bear,” thought the old woman. I can’t give him back mom and dad, but I can bring him a new family.” And so, on January 6, with her magic broom, the Befana arrived at Baretto. He brought with him two new Giant Bears, “Welcome to your new family,” they said to Little Bear.

The family reassembled, and everyone at Baretto celebrated. The new Bears were greeted with joy by customers and tourists, who kept taking photos and bringing smiles. From that day, the Baretto Bear family (and others) learned that magic really exists when there is love and solidarity. And they all lived happily and pampered forever.