Giöbia — Burning of the Winter Old Woman
The Busto Arsizio tradition of the bonfire that burns away winter
About Giöbia
A Centuries-Old Busto Arsizio Tradition
Giöbia is a centuries-old popular ritual deeply rooted in the culture of Busto Arsizio, in the province of Varese. Every year, at the end of January, the people of Busto Arsizio set fire to large effigies — the 'Giöbie' — symbolizing winter and the difficulties of the past year. The bonfire represents rebirth, community, and new beginnings: burning the winter old woman means banishing troubles and igniting hope.
The Bonfire and the Effigies
The large communal bonfire gathers effigies made by the city's schools and associations, standing up to two meters tall and displayed in the town squares in the preceding days. Educational institutions participate in a competition: a technical jury and popular vote on social media decide the most beautiful effigies, which are awarded contributions for school supplies — a way to involve younger generations in the tradition.
The Risotto Feast in the Square
The convivial heart of the festival is the risotto feast in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II: an impressive preparation — hundreds of kilograms of rice and luganiga sausage for thousands of portions — distributed to the citizens for a symbolic contribution, accompanied by local wine and typical sweets. A moment that brings the entire Busto Arsizio community together around food.
Giöbia Week
The festival is preceded by a gastronomic week during which restaurants and bakeries offer traditional specialties: risotto with luganega, cassoeula, polenta, and the typical 'giobiette'. An opportunity to rediscover local flavors and prepare for the great bonfire, which makes Giöbia one of the most beloved identity events of the Busto Arsizio winter.
Giöbia — edition 2026
Giöbia 2026 will be held on Thursday, January 29. In the morning, the effigies made by schools and associations will be displayed in Piazza Santa Maria; at 7:00 PM, the communal bonfire in the Via Einaudi parking lot will burn the 'Giöbie', symbols of winter and adversity. At 7:30 PM, the traditional risotto feast will take place in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II: 2,000 portions prepared with 180 kg of rice and 80 kg of luganiga sausage, with red wine and pastries, offered for a minimum contribution of 3 euros. Eight educational institutions are participating in the effigy competition, with winners chosen by a technical jury and popular vote. The event is preceded by the gastronomic 'Giöbia Week' (January 24-31).
Programme Giöbia 2026
Thursday, January 29
- Morning — Display of effigies in Piazza Santa Maria, made by schools and associations
- 7:00 PM — Communal bonfire in the Via Einaudi parking lot, with the burning of the 'Giöbie'
- 7:30 PM — Risotto feast in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II: 2,000 portions (180 kg of rice, 80 kg of luganiga sausage), red wine, and pastries from Panificio Colombo
Effigy Competition
- Eight educational institutions competing with effigies 150-200 cm tall; winners chosen by technical jury and popular vote on Facebook, awarded contributions for school supplies
Giöbia Week (January 24-31)
- Restaurants and bakeries offer Busto Arsizio specialties: risotto with luganega, cassoeula, polenta, and giobiette
Highlights Giöbia 2026
Prices Giöbia 2026
Practical information — Giöbia
Where
The bonfire takes place in the parking lot of Via Einaudi; the risotto feast is in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, in Busto Arsizio (VA).
How to Get There
Busto Arsizio is served by the FS and Ferrovie Nord train stations and by the A8 Milan-Varese motorway.
Admission
Free event; the risotto feast is offered with a minimum contribution of approximately 3 euros.
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Where does it take place — Giöbia
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II e parcheggio di via Einaudi
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 21052 Busto Arsizio