The Night of the Bonfires in Castellana Grotte, Puglia

Halfway between religious sentiment, folklore, and propitiatory rite, every year in the month of January in Castellana Grotte the celebration of the Night of the Bonfires is perpetuated.
The town of Puglia, known for its wonderful and ancient underground cavities, is colored by the reflections given by the lighting of huge piles of wood and special material, becoming even more suggestive.
The Night of the Bonfires takes place every January 11th in Castellana Grotte and was born as a popular festival to thank the Madonna of the Vetrana for her miracles towards the local population.
One of the places where a tall and imposing bonfire is set up is the Piazzetta della Matrice San Leone Magno, the center of the celebrations that attract thousands of visitors every year.
Besides the undoubtedly interesting aspect from an anthropological, religious, and folkloric point of view, the Night of the Bonfires – or Night of the Fanove – also offers those present the opportunity to taste typical food and wine products of the area: there are many spots where you can savor wines, roasted cereals, taralli, and typical sweets.
Not only that: some oil mills of Castellana Grotte during the Night of the Bonfires allow tastings of the new oil, perhaps consumed to pleasantly season the excellent bruschettas offered at the stands.
The Night of the Bonfires is the most popular and lively event of the cult of the Madonna of the Vetrana who the following day – thus every January 12th – is then carried in procession to the Mother Church, where she will remain for a few days.
To organize a visit to Castellana Grotte, you can select further information on the official portal www.comune.castellanagrotte.ba.it/turismo.