As January came to an end, towns across Lombardy prepared for the traditional Giubiana bonfire, an ancient celebration marking the end of winter.
According to local tradition, communities gather in their main squares to burn a straw figure dressed in old clothes, known as the Giubiana.
This symbolic ritual represents the farewell to winter and the hope for good fortune in the new year.
Moreover, the celebrations bring together local communities through traditional food, music and historical performances.
Here are the Giubiana events held in several towns near Lake Como in January 2023.
THE GIUBIANA IN CANTÙ
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, Cantù hosted the traditional “Corteo e Rogo della Giubiana” (Giubiana Parade and Bonfire).
The celebrations took place in Piazza Garibaldi and the surrounding streets.
THE GIUBIANA IN CANZO
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, the celebrations began at 8:30 PM beneath the porticoes in Piazza della Chiesa.
Organised by Associazione Cumpagnia di Nost, the event featured the traditional trial of the Giubiana, performed entirely in the local dialect.
Following the trial, the figure was taken to Villa Meda, where the ritual bonfire took place.
Afterwards, visitors enjoyed risotto, luganega sausage and mulled wine beside the large bonfire.
As local tradition says, the celebration brings good fortune and keeps misfortune away: “per la buna furtuna cuntra la displipa”.
THE GIUBIANA IN ASNAGO
On Friday, January 27, 2023, starting at 8:00 PM, the Comitato per Asnago welcomed adults and children to the traditional Rogo della Giubiana.
This ancient ritual, deeply rooted in the traditions of Brianza, symbolises good luck and renewal.
The event took place at the municipal park in Via Repubblica, with the support of the local municipality.
THE GIUBIANA IN CIVENNA
On Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 8:00 PM, Civenna hosted “Giubiana Medievale”, organised by Polisportiva Alta Valassina.
The celebration featured a medieval atmosphere, enhanced by the participation of the Gruppo degli Sbandieratori di Como, the city’s traditional flag throwers.
Through historical reenactments, visitors travelled back to 835 AD, when King Lothair and his wife Ermengarda arrived in Civenna.
The programme continued with the traditional proclamation of the edict, marking the beginning of the parade in search of the Giubiana.
Finally, the reading of the sentence led to the symbolic burning of the figure.
After the bonfire, celebrations continued in the Sports Centre hall, where guests enjoyed traditional risotto with luganega sausage.
THE GIUBIANA IN BREGNANO
On Saturday, January 28, 2023, the Centro Polifunzionale di Bregnano hosted another edition of the traditional Rogo della Giubiana.
The evening featured food, live music and the traditional bonfire.
Programme:
7:00 PM: Free tasting of risotto with sausage.
8:00 PM: Dancing with live music by Flavio and Laura.
9:00 PM: Traditional Giubiana bonfire, followed by mulled wine for everyone.
Admission was free.
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