The Fòcora of Novoli

Novoli (Apulia) - Italy

Novoli, situated at few kilometers from Lecce, will once again welcome the "Fòcara", during which the inhabitants of Novoli sets fire to a wooden and straw tower.
This event predates the festivities in honor of Sant'Antonio Abate, who is the City's Patron Saint and Protector.
This is a moment of social gathering as well as a return towards the old traditions.

La construction de la "Fòcara" starts at the beginning of December, with all the inhabitants helping.
In reality, it has begun on November with the collect of vine shoots and the realization of the pile.

From the 15th to the 18th of January, the village lives intense days of festivities, that begin by the decoration of the city with lights and balloons.
The real festivity takes place on January 16, 2009 with the animals' blessing, the simulacrum procession, the ascension of the Fòcara and the Giuliano Palma concert.
On the day after, whereas the Fòcara is still burning, a firework display will entertain all the attendants.
At last, the manifestations will end up on the 18th of January with the Torch's descent, the festival of the fried fish and the projection of "La festa prende fuoco", a documentary by Edoardo Winspeare.