In Molise, in the month of December, one of the largest and most evocative fire shows in the world takes place: it is the 'Ndocciata of Agnone, characteristic village in the province of Isernia, which celebrates the millenary tradition of the fire that 'lights and warms' the Christmas. In fact, every year on the evening of the second Saturday of December and on the evening of the 24th, accompanied by the sound of the many bells of the town, the groups of the Capammonde and Capaballe, Guastra, San Quirico and Sant'Onofrio districts, made up of hundreds of bearers of all ages, turn on the 'Ndocce and walk along the course of Agnone which becomes a gigantic and exciting river of fire.
The 'Ndocciata of Agnone
Since 2011, the 'Ndocciata has been recognized by the Ministry of Tourism as a heritage of Italy for tradition. Every year the event attracts thousands of tourists and yesterday. On 10 December last, 1200 'ndocce paraded along the main streets of Agnone, carried in procession by 'ndocciatori and extras, about 320 people. The next appointment is for the 24th, on the evening of Christmas Eve. The preparation of the big torches begins in the month of March, with the 'martellata', or when the forest carabinieri mark the silver firs to be felled.
After drying, they become part of the 'ndoccia together with the broom branches. The ritual, pagan and Christian, has always been the same since 1956: women and children start the procession carrying the smallest torches and with the banners of the groups. And then it's a crescendo, up to the fan-shaped 'ndocce up to three meters high. The bearers wear the traditional cloak of the shepherds and represent the five districts. They have to resist the intense heat of the fire and bear the weight of the torches, dancing and twirling with the movements of the ancient rural and pagan rites associated with the winter solstice.
The ritual of fire
In recent days the 'Ndocciata of Agnone has enchanted the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, and undersecretary Vittorio Sgarbi, who both witnessed the ancient rite of fire. The two government officials have pledged to support the proposal of the Municipality, the Proloco and Unimol so that this ancient event is recognized as a Unesco intangible heritage.
(Photo Facebook La 'Ndocciata – Heritage of Italy for Tradition)
