Saint Anthony’s bonfires – Orosei

According to legend, St. Anthony stole a spark from the Underworld and gave it to humans on Earth, who were at that time was plagued by freezing temperatures. Thus, he brought them the light and warmth, needed for the sustenance of nations. For this reason, on the night of January 16th and 17th, many communities in Sardinia and beyond celebrate this centuries-old tradition with a feast in his honour. The symbol of the celebration is the fire, the element of conjunction between the sacred and the secular, around which people gather and exchange wine and food prepared for the occasion.