Nusco, between sacred and profane 'Bonfire Night'

Nusco is preparing for its historic event: 'Bonfire Night'.

From 19 to 21 January 2024, in the ancient heart of the wonderful Irpinia village, the event will be staged, considered among the most fascinating folkloristic and cultural events in Southern Italy. Three days in which the historic center will light up with the crackling of the fire, giving shape to a magical atmosphere which is an exemplary narration of the ancient peasant rites in honor of Sant'Antonio Abate.

It is one of the oldest festivals in Irpinia which includes: shows, folk music, itinerant dances, guided tours, artistic performances and the inevitable promotion and tasting of typical products and local wines. The lighting of bonfires is a rite spread across Europe, but the community of Nusco has made it its own tradition by creating an event with a strong cultural impact that attracts thousands of visitors from all over Italy.

Nusco, together with 5 other municipalities - Castelfranci, San Nicola Baronia, S.Angelo a Scala, Montefredane and Contrada - will thus take part in a wonderful journey to discover the territory through the tradition of fire. A project designed to spread culture, typical dishes and history, through a series of musical events, presentations, cultural debates, concerts and tastings with which we intend to create travel itineraries that will lead tourists and visitors to discover the cellars, nature and local gastronomy.

Specifically, with the 'Bonfire Night' the fire becomes the symbol of an event that warms, unites and entertains, but above all it interprets the history of a community attentive to the protection of its immense cultural heritage.

"This is the deepest meaning of the Nuscan rite - declares the mayor, Antonio Iuliano - a celebration that is repeated over time in an atmosphere of great conviviality and fun in the name of popular tradition and in which the sacred and the profane are mix until they merge in an event that gives prestige to our beautiful Nusco".

Once upon a time, farmers invoked the blessing of Saint Anthony, protector of agriculture and animals, on their fields, livestock and future harvest. In his honour, in every neighbourhood, a bonfire was lit as a propitiatory rite: the flames chased away the curses of the past year, marking the transition from darkness to light.
Not only that, to keep local memory alive it will be possible to rediscover the 'cunti', the stories that were told by the light of a fireplace during the long winter nights, which for the occasion will be re-proposed around the bonfires and interpreted by local artists in period clothes.

Text translated by google translator