Fuochi di Sant’Antonio di Alberona

An event that combines spectacle and tradition, combining ancient customs with religious sentiment and kicks off, according to a tradition that is lost in the mists of time, the long period of Carnival.

Starting at 6pm, Alberona is lit by day thanks to dozens of large bonfires lit in the streets and squares of the historic center. Until late at night, around the wood that lights and warms, the people of the village will gather to taste typical dishes, all based on pork: beans with pork rinds, pizza with "cicoli" and sausage, all combined with new wine.

Among the ceremonial events that make up the feast, the most striking is that of the lighting of fires. A few days before the event, in the village begins the collection of wood that is subsequently accumulated in large sheaves. The origin of these practices is linked to a traditional legend that wants the saint able to heal the "shingles", also known as "fire of Saint Anthony". The typical noise of the flames is accompanied by folk songs and dances, which continue until the extinction of the fire.

Tradition requires that the wooden stacks arranged for the various bonfires are real sculptures.

The preparation of the artistic bonfires begins in the morning, at 9:00 am: in every alley, open space and square of the village you can see the final touches. At 6 pm, the Selection Board begins the tour to evaluate the best artistic bonfires prepared throughout the country. Once the judges pass, the compositions made with wood begin to catch fire.