Saint Martin walk, a saint that the Church remembers on 11 November and that all of Italy celebrates from the Alps to Stretto and, of course, also in the islands. The day dedicated to this beloved saint, in many Italian towns is greeted with street parties animated by many activities. Markets, rides, street performances: many moments and attractions to celebrate the saint and what November 11 has always symbolized, namely thetasting of the new wine.
San Martino, the saint who offers his cloak to the poor
Martin of Tours is a bishop Christian of the XNUMXth century AD Born in Pannonia, a region of'Roman Empire today corresponding to an area of Hungary, Martino soon enlisted in the Roman army. In Gaul, where he does his military service, he experiences a fact that changes his life. It is said, in fact, that during a patrol on horseback, Martino meets a beggar shivering from the cold.
Then Martino, pitying the man's serious hardship, he cuts his cloak and gives half of it to the beggar. It is said that that same night Jesus appeared in a dream to Martin who, after this apparition, was converted and embarked on his path as a baptized Christian. After twenty years of serving the Roman Empire, Martino then decides to leave the army and devote himself to monastic life. Martino becomes bishop of Tours and builds important places of worship; moreover, he performs many miracles that give him the glory of the altars.
San Martino, from the sacred to the popular festival
The day dedicated to the saint in many Italian centers turns into a real village fair. In Romagna, for example, this appointment with popular tradition is called la 'fira di bécch', namely the 'fair of the cuckolds': in fact, the horns are the symbol of this festival.
The San Martino fair is also synonymous with good cuisine thanks to the tasting of succulent dishes of the local gastronomy. And then there is no shortage of itinerant trade traditions and the 'very popular' flea markets where even every little junk acquires great value for collectors.
There is no party without storytellers
Furthermore, San Martino, always in some towns of Romagna, was and remains the fair of traditions and the national festival of storytellers. In the town of Santarcangelo this is one of those customs that lasts over time and always attracts a lot of public. The storytellers, with their performances and their stories bring back to the ancient street performances of the past.
In San Martino every must becomes wine
The cult of San Martino is closely linked to the rituals of the peasant tradition by virtue of its humble origins. In fact, November 11 coincides with a period of great work for the rural world. These days in the vineyards the barrels are opened to taste the new wine, hence the saying "in San Martino every must becomes wine".
Also in ancient times it was common practice renew agricultural contracts and keep big livestock fairs. The days preceding the party are also called "Indian summer"As they are days in which the autumn it gets milder and the sun warms up almost like on summer days.
Of wine and good food
The feast of San Martino is, therefore, an occasion to glorify the saint and also for celebrate the fruits of the earth e an abundance of good food.
Grilled meat e roasted chestnuts in Ascoli, pittule and wine in Salento and cookies typical in Palermo: all of Italy sits at the table to toast the new wine and the ancient gastronomic tradition of Beautiful country.
(Pixabay photo)
