Feast of St. Joseph – March 19th

On the occasion of the Feast of San Giuseppe, Bovino is celebrated with the event “I Fuochi di San Giuseppe”.
The lighting of the Bonfires in Bovino on the occasion of Saint Joseph refers to the cultural substratum of the pagan-pre-Christian world with its typical cults. “It is no coincidence that the anniversary in honor of St. Joseph corresponds to the vernal equinox, a period par excellence consecrated, with ritual processions and purification fires at the celebration of the rebirth of nature. The ceremonies of fire, both in pagan and Christian cults, are quite similar for what concerns the aims hoped to derive from them. The abundance of the crop, the well-being of men and animals, the task of warding off, of driving out or, if we wish, of “burning” all the negative powers are entrusted to fire. In short, fire has always had a double meaning: negative as a tool to ward off evil, positive to symbolize the benefits of the sun, light and, therefore, of divinities.
On the evening of the feast of St. Joseph, therefore, in the small square in front of the Church of the Annunciation was adorned today, as then, with a statue of the saint. On top of the pile, made up of local olive branches, a holy picture was placed with the sacred image. The rosary was recited during the flames, and religious songs were sung.
Today, to keep the tradition alive, PRO-LOCO has made the event its own with the addition of a competition between the districts of the town according to a specific regulation.
The event begins with the evening religious service on 19 March in the Church of the S.S. Announced with a Mass in honor of the Saint. At the end of the service, the Prior of the Brotherhood lights the bonfire in front of the Church proceeding with the blessing and starts the competition by delivering the torches to the Team Leaders who leave for the respective districts. They light a bonfire of their respective wards.
The reunited community and tourists can enjoy the feast by touring the small squares of the village and tasting the local culinary specialties on the grill, sausages and torcinelli.
A jury composed of the President of the Pro-Loco, a member of the Board of Directors, the Councilor for Culture, the Prior of the Brotherhood and three members of the Association, rewards the most beautiful bonfire according to the indications of the regulation (order, organization , animation, etc).