✨ January 17: a Bolognese tradition that smells of history and good wishes ✨

In Bologna and its countryside, January 17th is not just any day: it's the feast of Sant'Antonio Abate , patron saint of animals and stables. 🐖🐓🐴

In the past, this day was a time of strong unity among farming families. The priest would go from house to house to bless the animals, with a special thought for the pigs and the stables. After sunset, the farmyards would come alive: each family would light a large bonfire to bring good luck for the new year. They would compete to make the most beautiful and brightest one, amid laughter and stories around the fire. 🔥✨

But a celebration isn't complete without its flavors: in the kitchens, simple yet traditional dishes were prepared: a lovely plate of steaming polenta with ragù, apple fritters—a symbol of abundance—which, being considered Carnival sweets, began to appear because Carnival time had already begun on January 7th! 🥞🍎

This ancient tradition reminds us of the value of community and the deep connection with the land and its rhythms. 🌾

Have you ever heard of this custom? Today, as then, celebrating Saint Anthony the Abbot is a way to look to the future with hope and gratitude.

🔥 Send this article to someone you'd like to light an auspicious bonfire with!