|
Nociglia is devoted to St. Anthony of Padua, traditionally celebrated on June 13 according to the liturgical calendar.
However, in the community, the feast is often postponed to the month of August, usually between the 19th and 23rd, in order to welcome the many citizens who have emigrated abroad, transforming the festival into a heartfelt return to one’s homeland and creating a special bond between the community and St. Anthony.
The eve of the patron saint’s feast opens with the celebration of Holy Mass, followed by the solemn procession that winds through the picturesque streets of the town, starting an atmosphere full of devotion and tradition.
Before the end of the procession, the sky lights up with fireworks while, at the end of the route, the mayor symbolically hands over the keys of the town to St. Anthony of Padua.
This year, then, the appointment is special: the community proudly commemorates the 400th anniversary of the creation of the column dedicated to St. Anthony, further enriching the deep tradition linked to the saint.
The day of the festival opens with the musical band that resounds in the streets, the illuminations that embellish the town and the stalls full of various objects.
The lively atmosphere envelops visitors in a riot of sounds and colors, celebrating the joy and intricate history with the patron saint.
On the last evening, the party reaches its peak with the performance of the musical group, giving spectators an unforgettable experience.
The festival of the piece of horse meat, rooted in the history of Nociglia, adds a unique touch, inviting those present to taste the local delicacies dedicated to St. Anthony.
The “sagra de lu pezzettu” takes place during the third evening of the celebrations, but in the homes of the people of Nocilia the sandwich with a piece of horse meat is customary to eat it on the evening of the eve of the procession.
A musical group completes the evening, contributing to the triumph of emotions and memories that characterize the conclusion of the patron saint’s feast.
During the days of the festival it is possible to visit the rooms of the Baronial Palace and the Byzantine church of the Madonna dell’Itri also taking advantage of augmented and virtual reality.
The event received the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for the realization of cultural activities in favor of Italian descendants, to be carried out for the Year of Italian Roots.
|
