The Procession of the Anno Vecchio in Appignano del Tronto

How to celebrate the arrival of the new year? By organizing the "funeral" of the one that is coming to an end. This is the procession of the old year, which takes place every year in the small village of Appignano del Tronto in the hills, which descend gently from the Umbro-Marchigiano Apennines to the Adriatic Sea. On December 30, the festivities begin with magic and superstition shows and gastronomic tastings of local products and dishes. The following day an evocative procession winds through the streets of the historic center mixing the sacred and the profane. The procession begins with characters wearing masks and grotesque costumes symbolizing the months of the year while holding garlands and chanting litanies. The village is lit only by torches and candles, and following the months slowly advances the "Bishop," who wears a flashy mitre on his head and officiates the funeral "blessing" the spectators with wine. This is followed by a hearse (pulled by two figures impersonating the ox and donkey) carrying a large coffin, the symbol of the Old Year, which will be set on fire in the main square at midnight. The celebration continues with fire performances, wine tastings and the "last rites" with a boiled wine blessing.