The “Toc Festival” is an ancient custom that revives every year in Cossogno, IN Piemonte, on Boxing Day. In the local dialect the toc is the piece of bread. Once upon a time, every December 26th, the wealthy donated pieces of bread to the poor. Today, some families bring bread to church which is divided into portions and blessed. At the end of the vespers dedicated to the saint, the bread is given to those present in the churchyard of San Brizio
From the thirteenth century to the present day
The "Festa del toc" is spoken of for the first time in a document dated 1328, even if it is thought that the distribution of loaves took place as early as the thirteenth century. Initially, the bread was made with equal quantities of millet and rye flour, then with rye alone, and was cut into small pieces to be distributed to those attending the afternoon service. The custom was a way for everyone to participate in the joy of Christmas. In the Middle Ages, almost every town had its own community charity with the obligation to distribute bread to the poor, at least once a year, and sometimes also wine, cheese, oil.
The one in Cossogno is one of the few that have survived. Originally, the distribution of bread did not necessarily take place on St. Stephen's Day, in fact there is also evidence of it on St. Martin's Day. It is thought that the date of 26 December was chosen to favor the winter period, when vagrants of all kinds were less likely to arrive in the town. In 1999, on the initiative of mayor Giacomo Ramoni, the “Toc de Cusögn” award, a recognition in the form of a "Silver Toc", awarded to people and groups from Cossogno and Verbania who have distinguished themselves for their activities in favor of the community.
A town surrounded by nature
Cossogno, in the province of Verbania-Cusio-Ossola, is a municipality of around 700 inhabitants, whose territory is partly included in the Val Grande National Park. The town is home to theWaterworld, Park Environmental Education Center and Water Museum. One of the most beautiful examples of a walnut crusher and mill is preserved nearby.
Da Inoca locality a hiking route is developed that allows you to admire the chapels of the Via Crucis. Among the most significant places is the Roman Bridge. Originally built of wood, today it is a single-arch stone work, which unites the territory of Cossogno with that of Rovegro.
(Photo: Pixabay; Municipality of Cossogno, Facebook Page)
