Bonfire, an old tradition in Terra del Sole
Sara Mantovani November 11, 2011
Do you know what “Bonfire” means?
Apparently the origin is Celtic, “bone fire” means the fire of the cattle bones which were slaughtered normally in November.
The tradition of this fires is quite common in rural environment and you can have a good example in Terra del Sole
The old festival “Fugarena” taking place the 20th of November is in its 42nd edition, it takes its name from the so-called “fugarén” (fire). The “fugarena” are bonfires of pagan origin, but the custom continued also in Christian times and was used to celebrate religious festivities and give thanks to God for an abundant harvest.
A link to the Christianity was made when “la Fugarena” was associated with the Feast for the Presentation of Christ to the Temple (20th of November) and, at the same time, it also hails to early pagan rituals and rural farming tradition, marking the end of the season. In recent times the festival has coincided with Thanksgiving.
November is the month in which most of the fruit trees are pruned, and on bonfire night
“la Fugarena” is lit with the cuttings and branches of vines and fruit trees: a big bonfire blazing in the centre of the square to honour the gods.
“La Fugarena” is more than just a simple folk festival. It’s also an event in which sport,
culture, music, folklore, traditions and gastronomy come together.
Throughout the day you can find a variety of events: exhibitions, guided tours of the Man and the Environment Museum from 10.30am, the traditional “gift” from the local farmers: the products from the land are first blessed in the S. Reparata church and then given to charities.
And traditional games (piñata, sack races, etc.) combined with activities for kids and finally the possibility of purchasing local Romagnolo specialties and novello wine from the gastronomic stands and taste them comfortably seated in the Palazzo dei Commissari Granducali under the spacious porticoes around the courtyard.
Some of the specialties prepared for the occasion include polenta with meat sauce, “maltagliati” pasta and beans, bean and sausage stew, all served with excellent characteristic novello wines such as red Sangiovese, or white Trebbiano and Albana in an extraordinary bouquet of tastes that merge and combine with the natural and artistic beauty of the old fortified town of Terra del Sole.
Info: proloco@terradelsole.org
