Lighting of the Fòcara
Arrive early (by 5 PM) for a good view; expect loud music, pyrotechnics, and intense heat from the blaze.
~18:00
Bonfire of Saint Anthony Abbot
Fòcara di Sant’Antonio Abate (Novoli)
Novoli, Italy
Jan 16 - 18, 2027Confirmed
Each January, the Salento town of Novoli builds Italy's largest bonfire to honor Saint Anthony Abbot, protector of farm animals. Volunteers spend much of the year stacking vine branches into a towering pyramid, the focara, more than twenty meters high, then set it ablaze in a spectacular winter fire that lights up the whole town.
Key moments
Day 1 · Jan 16
Day 2 · Jan 17
Grand Procession of Sant’Antonio Abate
Line the route by 9:30; maintain silence and reverence as the statue passes by; loud trumpets and drums accompany the procession.
~10:00 - 12:00
Blessing of Animals
Families often bring pets for a blessing; stand quietly or sit in the church transept to watch.
~11:00 - 12:00
Where it happens
Piazza Tito Schipa
Novoli, Italy
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Respect local boundaries
Visitors must respect the procession and bonfire perimeter; follow guidance from local orga...
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
The square becomes very crowded around main events (bonfire, procession); peripheral areas like food stalls are more spacious.
Weather
January can bring rain and cold; dress in layers and carry rain gear.
Transport
Local bus SGM line S15 from Lecce (Foro Boario station) serves Novoli during the festival evenings; other Lecce-city buses run nearby.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Well-organized with local police and volunteers present. Remain alert in crowded areas.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL RELIGIOUS RITUAL
Bonfire of Saint Anthony Abbot
Fòcara di Sant’Antonio Abate (Novoli)
Novoli, Italy
Each January, the Salento town of Novoli builds Italy's largest bonfire to honor Saint Anthony Abbot, protector of farm animals. Volunteers spend much of the year stacking vine branches into a towering pyramid, the focara, more than twenty meters high, then set it ablaze in a spectacular winter fire that lights up the whole town.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Jan 16 - 18, 2027Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
This winter fire festival blends Christian and older folk traditions. Saint Anthony Abbot (Sant’Antonio Abate) is venerated as protector of livestock, reflecting Novoli’s agricultural heritage. The basilican bonfire actually predates Christianity in form, but local legend credits 5th-century origins and Venetian influence making it larger as a single flame. The ritual of blessing farm animals and burning the “focara” ties the...
Key moments to know
Day 1Jan 16
Day 1Jan 16~18:00Expected
Lighting of the Fòcara
Arrive early (by 5 PM) for a good view; expect loud music, pyrotechnics, and intense heat from the blaze.
Day 2Jan 172 moments
Day 2Jan 17~10:00 - 12:00Expected
Grand Procession of Sant’Antonio Abate
Line the route by 9:30; maintain silence and reverence as the statue passes by; loud trumpets and drums accompany the procession.
Day 2Jan 17~11:00 - 12:00Expected
Blessing of Animals
Families often bring pets for a blessing; stand quietly or sit in the church transept to watch.
Day 5Jan 20
Day 5Jan 20~22:00Expected
Closing Fireworks
Get a spot in the square by nightfall; display is loud and colorful—grand finale of the festival.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Respect local boundaries
Visitors must respect the procession and bonfire perimeter; follow guidance from local organizers and police fo...
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jan 16 - 18, 2027
Confirmed
City / Area
Novoli
Salento (Apulia)
Access
Brindisi (BDS) · 45 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: €50-70; Mid-range: €100-150
Atmosphere
The crowd is energetic and festive, especially during the bonfire l...
The square becomes very crowded around main events (bonfi...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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