This festival dates back to 1973, when a group of friends from Sant'Agata Bolognese decided to celebrate Epiphany by burning a small pile of wood. Over the years, that simple gesture became a tradition. Creativity then took over, giving rise to the spectacle we know today: a pole about thirty meters high, covered with pallets and straw, which is set alight with an impressive display of fireworks set to music.
The event, now far from being a celebration reserved for the few, involves the entire hamlet of Maggi. For three days, the inhabitants work together to build an impressive bonfire, which is lit at sunset accompanied by fireworks to make the atmosphere even more exciting.
The preparation of the bonfire is followed by a gastronomic feast with crescentine, cold cuts, coffee, and mulled wine. Everything is offered in exchange for a small donation, which helps to support the continuity of the event. The celebration coincides with a festival much loved by children: they are given stockings filled with sweets and treats, distributed by Santa Claus and the Befana.
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