

Italian traditions: St. Joseph Torch Feast in Pitigliano
- WTI Magazine #77 Mar 18, 2016
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WTI Magazine #77 2016 March 18
Author : folclore.it Translation by:
The traditional St. Joseph Torch Feast in Pitigliano, a direct descendant of ancient bonfires, evokes the legend propitiatory arrival of Spring. In the Maremma inland, the night of Saint Joseph recalls an ancient pagan ceremony: on Spring equinox a purifying bonfire propitiates the arrival of the new season. The ritual, that since Etruscan was made next to that of the "seed buried" symbol of life, was then Christianized, like many other pagan rituals, and approached during the Middle Ages to the feast of Saint Joseph.
For the occasion, religious traditions and folklore are intertwined, creating a moment of joy and happiness in the streets of the village of Pitigliano, usually on the weekend near the March 19, ending on the 19th with the big bonfire.
A historical parade in costumes from the XV century, torches and candles and a religious celebrations enliven the village, up to the expected time of the great fire: three trumpets kick off the march of forty «torciatori» that depart from St. Joseph's Cave, downstream of the town along the river Meleta, bringing on each shoulder a bundle of flaming reeds and following the statue of St. Joseph, which is also carried on the shoulders of two men.
Striking this race in the dark of night, the buildings of yellow stone are illuminated by the flames as well as the arches of the Medici Aqueduct, while the flag wavers play in Piazza del Comune with the «invernacciu», a big snowman rods that symbolizes that winter is dying. The band plays and a smell of pancakes with raisins and good Tuscan wine stirs fragrant in the air causing an euphoric atmosphere. Once in the Square, the torciatori set the invernacciu on fire, creating the large bonfire.
St. Joseph will protect the land and the remaining coals, collected from the women of the town, will remain in the homes of pitiglianesi as a propitiatory amulet, perpetual interweaving of sacred and profane, religion and superstition, while the mild climate of the coming spring softens the festive hearts of the citizens.