One of the oldest festivals in Europe, the spectacular Fucacoste & Cocce Priatorje (literally Bonfires & Heads from Purgatory) takes place in the small town of Orsara di Puglia,near Foggia (Apulia) on the 1 November every year. The town expects some 10,000 visitors for this edition and every family in the historic centre is involved in preparations.
When the church bells ring at 7pm, bonfires of broom branches will be set alight in every street and square, while a traditional meal of meat, bread, potatoes, wine and typical local biscuits will be offered at 20 different sites. Pumpkin lanterns are another traditional feature, however, there end any similarities with the Celtic Halloween. Organizers point out that this is not a feast of witches and ghosts. Instead, this is the night when the souls of the dead come down from heaven, guided by the light of the bonfires, to visit their families and is therefore a festival of rejoicing that goes on until dawn.
For info: www.comune.orsaradipuglia-fg.it
