The Ndocciata of Agnone

The origin of the tradition of the fire that "ignites" on Christmas Eve in Agnone is lost in the mists of time. In ancient times, the 'Ndocciata of Agnone took place in the late evening of December 24. The majestic torches (le 'ndoccie, in the local dialect) were most likely also used to light the way for the peasants who came from the rural areas to the town to attend the midnight Christmas Mass. The "Ndocciata" is now a Heritage of Italy tradition. The event opens in early December with the "Festival of Ritual Fires" and concludes on Christmas Eve with the grand procession of flashlights, carried on the shoulders of fearless citizens wrapped in long black cloaks. The calendar also includes musical, theatrical and comic performances, and the guests are exceptional, one above all, Edoardo Bennato.