If you were considering booking a villa in Siena and spending the Holidays in Tuscany, then learning about and experiencing some of the local festive traditions is a must that will make any vacation even more special and memorable. Tuscany is awash with all sorts of wonderful traditional foods, festivals, experiences, and more and her pretty and historic towns are made even lovelier each year with the addition of lights, decorations, Christmas markets, music, excited crowds, and festive cheer. The charming town of Abbadia San Salvatore, in particular, has an incredible Christmas Eve tradition that makes for an ideal way to ring in the Holidays...
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the town of Abbadia San Salvatore is a hub of activity each weekend as giant wooden bonfires are constructed. These large pyres are then lit on Christmas Eve as part of Fiaccole di Natale, the town’s most important event, which has been held in Abbadia San Salvatore for generations upon generations but has uncertain origins as their exact details have been lost to time. It is thought, however, that the fires were first used to keep locals warm as they held vigils the night before the birth of Christ and commemorated the shepherds who once followed a star to witness his arrival.
The pyres are made up of stacks of woods that are piled between five and seven meters high and are in the shape of pyramids. On the night, at around 6pm, the event kicks off with the Ceremony of the Ascension in the historic centre of the town, including a Blessing of the Fire. The fire in front of the town hall is the first to be lit with the sacred flame as a band plays Christmas songs. From there, the officially designated fire lighters spread out through the centre and light the other bonfires. The festivities continue until dawn with music and bars and restaurants remaining open late.
A magical way to kick off the Christmas holidays and a unique Tuscan tradition, this is a wonderful experience that can be enjoyed if you book one of our vacation rentals in Siena and spend an unforgettable Holiday Season in Tuscany…
