Ndocciata facts for kids
The Ndocciata is an amazing old Christmas festival. It happens every year in Agnone, a town in Molise, southern Italy. On Christmas Eve, December 24, Agnone lights up with a huge parade. This parade features many special torches called "‘ndocce." These torches are shaped like a fan and are made from silver fir pine wood.
Some torches are single, but many are grouped together. They can have up to twenty fires! These tall torches, about four meters high, are carried by people wearing traditional clothes. When the big bell of St. Anthony’s Church rings, groups from different parts of the town start their journey. Hundreds of people, young and old, light their torches. They walk along the main streets, creating what locals call a "river of fire." Music from bagpipers fills the air, and groups even compete to have the biggest and most beautiful torches. The parade finishes with a large bonfire called the "Bonfire of Brotherhood." This happens in Plebiscite Square, where a Nativity scene is also displayed.
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The History of Ndocciata
Ancient Roots
The Ndocciata festival is very old. Its beginnings go back even before Christianity and the Roman Empire. Long ago, the Samnite tribes lived in this area. They used torches, like the ‘ndocce, for light. These torches helped them move around at night, especially during important tribal journeys.
Farmers and Churches
Over time, this tradition was passed down to farmers. After the 9th century, farmers used these torches to light their way. They walked from their homes in different areas to reach the many churches in town. This was especially important on Christmas night when they went to see the Nativity scene.
Old Traditions and Beliefs
Many different traditions have become part of the Ndocciata over the years. For example, people once believed that if the wind blew from the north during the bonfire, it meant the new year would be good. In medieval times, the bright fire from the torches was thought to help keep bad spirits away.
Another old Ndocciata tradition involved young boys. They would try to impress girls in town by making the most beautiful and strong torch. A strong torch would burn for a long time. After the parade, a boy would carry his torch to the window of the girl he liked. If she looked out, it meant she liked his gesture. But if she poured a bucket of water on the torch, it meant she was not interested!
A Symbol of Renewal
Today, the big bonfire in the public square has a special meaning. People gather there to say goodbye to anything negative from the past year. They symbolically burn these bad things in the fire. When the parade ends, the Nativity scene is shown. This not only celebrates Christmas but also represents a fresh start and renewal for the new year.
What are the Ndocce Torches?
The ‘ndocce are large, impressive torches. They are made from silver fir pine wood. Bundles of dried broom are tied together with twine to create the fiery part. Each torch stands about three to four meters tall. Sometimes, several torches are joined together by horizontal poles. This creates large fan-shaped groups that can have up to twenty torches burning at once.
The people who carry the torches wear special clothes. They dress in black and wear a hood or a hat. These outfits come from the ancient clothes of the Oscan Samnite tribe. They represent a quiet sense of humility and respect for the tradition.
