The Feast of the Holy Fire

One of the most evocative events in the Viterbo area is the Feast of the Sacred Fire in Bagnaia, celebrated every year on the evening of January 16 in honor of St. Anthony Abbot. A historical procession passes through the ancient walls of the beautiful village, arriving in the central square and starting the festival and the lighting of the "focarone," a large bonfire, a symbol of the deep traditions kept in the area. The festive atmosphere involves the village for almost a year starting in February, and about sixty young people (aged between 18 and 30) take part in the bonfire preparations. The young people gather every weekend on the Palanzana Mountain, where they search for the wood that will be used to light the bonfire, indulging in picnic lunches with local products and dishes, such as "stracci bagnaioli," one of the most typical dishes of the borough. The days leading up to and following the "focarone" are then enlivened by folk games, stands of food and wine products, including the traditional "cavallucci," shortbread cookies that are still prepared following the original recipe, handed down among the village women. A perfect opportunity to visit a medieval village where time seems to stand still and admire the gardens of the beautiful Villa Lante.