Bonfires are lit in many towns on the night between the 7th and the 8th December and the meaning of this tradition varies. According to some the fire is lit to warm up the Madonna, but also to destroy human sins and everything else negative that needs to be left behind in the future year. It is also a way to aggregate people to pray all together. The Immaculate Conception of Mary, a feast that is celebrated on the 8th December, in a variety of different forms, and in Southern and Central Italy, the tradition takes on a very unique stance.
In Abruzzo and Umbria they are called lu fucaracce and the legend wants their function to be drying Jesus’s clothes. In Atri (Teramo Province), Abruzzo, faithful people hold “faugni”, big torches, while following a procession toward the Cathedral of town where a Mass is held to celebrate the Immaculate Conception. In Umbria they are also called “fires of the arrival” as they are lit to celebrate the Madonna Home’s transition from Nazareth to Loreto (which is in the Marche Region, where Madonna di Loreto is renowned). In Pompei, in the Campania Region, the celebration is called O fucaron’ ra’ MMaculat, whereas in Palermo, Sicily, the Immaculate Conception is very much heartfelt, with many celebrations throughout the city.
Each little town of Central and Southern Italy has its own way of celebrating this day with bonfires and gastronomic specialties. You cannot afford to miss these festivities while you are there in Italy during the holiday season. It is a good idea to hire a car to take you around to witness these festivities. car-rental-italy gives you the convenience to hire a car at economical rates and venture through to explore the place to the core and enjoy all the festivities that take place in the region during the holiday season.