‘Ndocciata

Among the most well-known events in Molise, it is held every year in Agnone during December. Along the main street, the ‘Ndocce—fan-shaped torches approximately 3 meters long—are carried to the joyful sound of bells. The torchbearers, representing the various districts of Agnone, are of all ages.

At the end of the procession, the ‘Ndocce are thrown into what is called the Bonfire of Brotherhood, around which the districts gather. For countless generations, the tradition of fire has illuminated Christmas Eve in Agnone. The ‘ndoccia, which in the local dialect means large torch, originates from pagan rituals and was linked to the winter solstice on December 21.

The connection between fire and humanity is ancestral—a primary source of life and survival. Above all, fire has a purifying function shared by almost all ancient cultures, which is considered the true origin of this ritual.