Waiting for the Torciata in Pitigliano

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Event that precedes the Torch of St. Joseph which takes place on March 19th each year.

On this occasion, in August the Corte del Villano with costumes from the early 1900s winds through the streets of the historic center accompanied by the procession of mini torchbearers.

On the night of San Giuseppe, March 19th, an ancient and spectacular pagan ceremony already in use at the time of the Etruscans is renewed, involving the whole town. Hooded and dressed in traditional clothing, 40 torchers, at the agreed signal, set fire to the Invernacciu, an enormous cane puppet that was erected in the center of Piazza della Repubblica in the previous days, to represent winter dying in flames. The large bonfire of the torchers is a good omen for the arrival of Spring. Since the medieval age, a religious meaning has also been associated with the pagan festival, making it coincide with the celebration of Saint Joseph, which falls on the days of the vernal equinox. For the occasion, religious traditions and folklore intertwine, giving life to a moment of celebration that usually begins on March 15th and culminates in the celebrations of March 19th. The historical procession, the lit torches, the trumpet blasts, the street juggling with the fire shows, contribute to creating a very suggestive atmosphere

Laboratories:

23 August at 10 am: construction of the bundles of reeds. Together with the members of the event, the construction of the bundles that are carried on the shoulders of the torchers on the night of March 19.

23 August at 9 pm: procession of ‘i villanu participation in the parade with songs and dances.

24 August 10am: St. Joseph’s pancakes, the classic dessert prepared for the celebration.

25 August 10am: Pitiglianese miles, which is part of the 464 Traditional Agri-Food Products – which represent a sort of historical collection, is a dish strongly linked to the tradition and history of the village.