Forlì's oldest feast takes place on 4th February every year, and it is dedicated to the "Madonna del Fuoco" ("Virgin of Fire"), the patron saint of the city, to whom tribute is paid by turning on small lights that light up the cold days of early February.
The streets from Piazza del Duomo to Piazza Aurelio Saffi, the main squares in the centre, are animated with stands selling sweets, clothing, games and much more.
On the night between the 3rd and 4th of February, it is common to put small lights (candles, tapers, light bulbs) on balconies and windows as a sign of devotion to the Virgin, in memory of the miracle that took place in 1428. On the night between 4 and 5 February, a fire started in Lombardino da Ripapetrosa's house, a schoolmaster from Forlì, destroying everything except the woodcut of the Virgin, which remained miraculously intact.
The feast's traditional food is the Piadina della Madonna, a poor sweet bread, oval in shape, filled with anise seeds, a must on the tables of the locals.
Until 4 February, moreover, you can still enjoy the horse carousel and the skating rink in Piazza Saffi and it is possible to admire the impressive lighting in the downtown streets.
Forlì's oldest feast takes place on 4th February every year, and it is dedicated to the "Madonna del Fuoco" ("Virgin of Fire"), the patron saint of the city, to whom tribute is paid by turning on small lights that light up the cold days of early February.
The streets from Piazza del Duomo to Piazza Aurelio Saffi, the main squares in the centre, are animated with stands selling sweets, clothing, games and much more.
On the night between the 3rd and 4th of February, it is common to put small lights (candles, tapers, light bulbs) on balconies and windows as a sign of devotion to the Virgin, in memory of the miracle that took place in 1428. On the night between 4 and 5 February, a fire started in Lombardino da Ripapetrosa's house, a schoolmaster from Forlì, destroying everything except the woodcut of the Virgin, which remained miraculously intact.
The feast's traditional food is the Piadina della Madonna, a poor sweet bread, oval in shape, filled with anise seeds, a must on the tables of the locals.
Until 4 February, moreover, you can still enjoy the horse carousel and the skating rink in Piazza Saffi and it is possible to admire the impressive lighting in the downtown streets.
