In San Biagio Platani, on the eve of the Celebration of the Immaculate Conception, the tradition of lighting bonfires—known locally as the Luminarie—is still alive. Until a few decades ago, the tradition was observed in the various neighbourhoods of the town: u Poiu, la Cruci, u Chianu, li Pili, u Pranieddu, u Carminu, and others. Today, due to the gradual decrease of inhabitants, especially among the youth, the luminarie are regularly lit in just two main locations: an open area in front of the cemetery and a square equipped with a purpose-built brazier. The bonfires are prepared in a sort of playful competition by groups of local boys. The wood piles are made exclusively from brushwood and branches collected by young people during the preceding month, either from the streets of the town or the surrounding countryside, often donated by local families. For an entire month, it’s common to see young people walking through the streets with bundles of wood on their shoulders or transporting them on agricultural carts. Most of the wood comes from olive tree pruning, though large almond branches are also common. Sometimes, the wood piles are topped with a tricoloured Italian flag or a cross made from intertwined branches. On the Immaculate’s eve, after the Vespers service, the boys await at the bonfire site for the group leader, who arrives with a lit candle. They then set the wood pile ablaze, which can reach heights of up to ten meters. All the bonfires are lit simultaneously to the sound of the bells from the Chiesa Madre (Mother Church) following the Vespers. After the service, the priest visits each bonfire to bless it.

That evening, traditional sweets such as cudduruna (pastries made from wheat flour, potatoes, eggs, salt, sugar, and yeast) and sfinci are prepared and enjoyed. During the wood-gathering period, the children organizing the luminaria collect small donations, which are later used to prepare a modest feast of sweets served around the glowing fire. These gatherings become true moments of community, drawing residents of the entire neighbourhood together. In front of the flames, women sing Marian hymns and recite rosaries. Around the fire, elderly women (and some younger ones) chant and pray the rosary in dialect. In the past, it was common to collect the embers at the end of the night for domestic use, although this practice has rightly fallen into disuse. The following morning, it is customary to eat guasteddi—homemade round breads seasoned with oil, olives, cheese, pepper, and salt. The symbolic meaning of the luminaria in San Biagio reflects the deep agro-pastoral roots of the community and reveals a profound connection with memory, tradition, and a strong sense of collective belonging. It is especially admirable that, despite the challenges posed by a slowly but steadily declining population, this centuries-old tradition continues to be preserved with unwavering dedication.

 

This element has been included in the Register of Intangible Heritage of local interest of the Municipality of San Biagio Platani, as part of Intervention 4 “Activation of the Observatory on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Territory through the application of the REIL methodology – Register of Intangible Heritage of Local Interest”, within the “RiGenerAzioni Archi di Piano 2030” project, funded by the NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), Mission: Digitalisation, innovation, competitiveness, culture and tourism, Component: Tourism and culture 4.0, Investment 2.1 “Attractiveness of villages.” CUP: J29I22000110006.