On Sunday, January 19 in Morimondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and home to one of Lombardy’s most beautiful and evocative Romanesque abbeys, the annual bonfire of St. Anthony will be held. The feast of St. Anthony the Abbot is usually celebrated with a large bonfire as a good omen for the year just past. In ancient times, large bonfires symbolized purification and light. The fire was meant to purify the soil from the past season’s crops and prepare it for the next one. The saint is also the patron saint of farmers and domestic animals.
The bonfire of St. Anthony Abbot in Morimondo.
The great bonfire is celebrated precisely in Morimondo, not only known for its beauty but also for its abbey, one of the most beautiful and evocative in Lombardy. Bonfires are rituals that have been drawing citizens and onlookers around the warmth of the flames for centuries. To make the event even more special, in many municipalities there is no shortage of the usual gastronomic specialties. During the celebration in Morimondo, mulled wine, panettone and chocolate will be distributed. An event open to all to celebrate from about 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
More bonfires
The bonfire ceremony is widespread almost everywhere, there will also be in Tainate, Orezzo(BG), Usmate Velate, Vimercate, Saronno and Boffalora sopra Ticino on Friday, Jan. 17. Melzo, Omate, Sovico and Omate/ Agrate Brianza on Saturday 18. Lomagna on Sunday the 19th in addition to Morimondo. In Varese on Thursday, January 16.
If you don’t know what to do on Sunday, St. Anthony’s big bonfire could be a great destination for a family-friendly outing.