17th February — Waldensian Celebrations (Bonfires of Freedom)

The 17th of February in Bobbio Pellice

In the municipality of Bobbio Pellice, at the edge of the upper Pellice Valley in the province of Turin, the 17th of February is the most significant date of the year. It commemorates the Edict of Emancipation signed on February 17, 1848, by King Charles Albert of Savoy, which finally granted the Waldensians of the Piedmont Valleys civil and political rights after centuries of persecution and exclusion. Since that night in 1848, when bonfires were spontaneously lit on the mountains to celebrate regained freedom, the Waldensian community has renewed this tradition every year: the bonfires of freedom illuminate the valley slopes, keeping the memory of these hard-won rights alive.

The bonfires of freedom and the torchlight procession

The most anticipated moment is the lighting of the bonfire, which in Bobbio Pellice takes place at the Sibaud hamlet. A torchlight procession departs from the town square: participants, torches in hand, march up to the site of the bonfire, where a large pyre is lit at dusk. It is a striking image, repeated at the same moment in dozens of other municipalities across the Waldensian Valleys (Pellice Valley, Germanasca Valley, Chisone Valley), causing the mountains to light up in unison. After the lighting, there are greetings, messages, and mulled wine offered to all attendees.

Sibaud and the Oath of the Glorious Return

The choice of Sibaud is no coincidence. This small hamlet of Bobbio Pellice is linked to another foundational event in Waldensian history: the Glorious Return of 1689. After returning to their valleys from exile in Switzerland, led by Pastor Henri Arnaud, the Waldensians pronounced the famous Oath of Sibaud in the meadow of Sibaud, a solemn commitment to remain united and faithful. The hymn dearest to the Waldensian people is dedicated to that oath. Celebrating the bonfire here means intertwining two memories: the religious freedom of 1689 and the civil rights of 1848.

Worship services, lunch, and festivities

The celebrations span several days. On the preceding Sunday, a joint service is held with the neighboring community of Villar Pellice. February 17th is dedicated to the worship service with Holy Communion in the Waldensian temple, featuring the choir and the Sunday School, followed by the traditional community lunch in the multipurpose hall. The day concludes joyfully with tea time, a raffle to support the hall, and, in the evening, a theatrical performance. It is a festival that blends spiritual reflection with village conviviality, open to both Waldensians and visitors, offering a precious opportunity to discover the unique identity of the Piedmontese Waldensian Valleys.