Fuoche de Sant'Antuone (St. Anthony Abbot Bonfires)

A centuries-old tradition in the Monti Dauni

The Fuoche de Sant'Antuone, or St. Anthony Abbot Bonfires, are one of the most iconic events in the calendar of Biccari, a small village in the Monti Dauni, located in the province of Foggia in the heart of northern Puglia. Every year, around January 17th—the day the Church commemorates St. Anthony Abbot, protector of animals and the hearth—the town renews an ancient propitiatory rite rooted in peasant civilization.

The bonfire ritual

The heart of the festival is the lighting of the great bonfires in the historic center. According to recent tradition, five large fires are set up at different points in the village, turning alleys and squares into a path of light and warmth during the winter night. The community gathers around the flames to warm up, share food and wine, and renew a sense of belonging that stands the test of time. Fire, a central element of the cult of St. Anthony, takes on the value of purification and good omens for the year ahead.

The food and wine trail

A rich food and wine itinerary dedicated to the authentic flavors of the Daunia region unfolds around the bonfires. At the stalls set up in the historic center, visitors can taste local specialties such as sausage, bruschetta, fried pizza, beans and pork rinds, chickpeas, and, of course, local red wine, alongside regional excellence like olive oil, pasta, and truffles from the Monti Dauni. The trail is enlivened by folk music, traditional songs, and moments of conviviality that involve both adults and children.

Markets and crafts

Alongside the food stalls, there are craft markets, providing an opportunity to discover and take home handmade items created by local artisans. The shops in the center remain open along the route, helping to make the evening a moment to celebrate the town's businesses and workshops.

A community celebration

Organized by the Municipality of Biccari in collaboration with the Biccari Community Cooperative, the event is much more than a simple winter festival: it is an occasion for authentic social interaction and the rediscovery of community roots that attracts residents and visitors from neighboring towns. In a context of depopulation in inland areas, the Fuoche de Sant'Antuone represent a strong sign of identity and an extra reason to visit Biccari and the evocative Monti Dauni even in the heart of winter.