Fires of Saint Anthony Abbot
The Night of the Fires that lights up Colletorto on January 17th
About Night of the Fires
The Night of the Fires
In the heart of winter, on January 17th, Colletorto (CB) celebrates Saint Anthony Abbot with one of the most evocative fire festivals in Molise: the Night of the Fires. Eight large monumental bonfires with a conical shape are lit in the oldest clearings of the village, illuminating the hamlet from the upper area to the majestic Angevin Tower.
Eight bonfires, eight stories
Each bonfire has its own name and tradition. The lighting starts from U foche da Reggine, at the foot of the Angevin Tower, in honor of Joan of Anjou, organized by the local historical group. Along the village's main street, you'll then find U foche di pecceninne, U foche degli Abati, U foche du zampille, and the other fires, each enlivened by local associations. At each one, you can savor traditional dishes: pancotto, ferratelle, pork rind, cicoli, and potatoes, while the Fuoco 'ncoppa fendane offers the traditional scarpelle.
Pizzica, music, and devotion
The evening opens with mass and the blessing of the embers by the parish priest, and continues with music, dances, and songs of the pizzica colletortese, with local folk groups animating each bonfire. The festival, deeply linked to the village's identity and Angevin memory, attracts thousands of visitors each year from Termoli, Campobasso, and the entire lower Molise region. On the eve, January 16th, a round table is also held in the Church of San Giovanni Battista, with a musical interlude dedicated to the saint.
Night of the Fires — edition 2026
On January 17, 2026, Colletorto lit up with the Night of the Fires in honor of Saint Anthony Abbot. The lighting started from U foche da Reggine, at the foot of the Angevin Tower, in a special year that celebrated the 700th anniversary of the birth of Queen Joan of Anjou. Eight large conical bonfires were lit in the oldest clearings of the village, enlivened by local associations with traditional dishes, music, and dances.
Programme Night of the Fires 2026
Friday, January 16, 2026 — Eve
- Round table in the Church of San Giovanni Battista — theme: "The figure of the Saint and the tradition of the piglet"
- Musical interlude by the Colletorto Accordion Group
Saturday, January 17, 2026 — Night of the Fires
- 5:00 PM — Mass and blessing of the embers in Largo Verdi, by Don Luigi Mastrodomenico
- Lighting of U foche da Reggine at the foot of the Angevin Tower (historical group)
- Lighting of the eight monumental bonfires along the main street: U foche di pecceninne, U foche degli Abati, U foche du zampille, and the others
- Traditional dishes at each bonfire: pancotto, ferratelle, pork rind, cicoli, and potatoes; scarpelle at the Fuoco 'ncoppa fendane
- Music, dances, and songs of the pizzica colletortese with the folk group "I dove vanne ne venne"
Highlights Night of the Fires 2026
Prices Night of the Fires 2026
Practical information — Night of the Fires
When
January 17th (with an eve round table on January 16th).
Where
Historic center of Colletorto (CB), from the inhabited area to the Angevin Tower.
How to get there
By car from Termoli or Campobasso (about 50 km). Nearest station: Termoli.
Notes
Free event. Traditional dishes are enjoyed at the individual bonfires. Winter clothing recommended.
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Where does it take place — Night of the Fires
Centro storico e Torre Angioina