Pignarûl of Chiarisacco

The Pignarûl, the fire of Friulian Epiphany

The Pignarûl (or pignarûl) is one of the oldest and most beloved traditions in Friuli: the great Epiphany bonfire that is lit on the evening of January 6th to close the Christmas season and welcome the new year. In Chiarisacco, a hamlet of San Giorgio di Nogaro in the province of Udine, this rite is renewed every year in Piazza della Fontana, the heart of the village.

The direction of the smoke

According to ancient Friulian peasant custom, the direction of the smoke and sparks from the pignarûl was used to read omens for the agricultural year about to begin. A gesture full of archaic meanings, which still unites the community around the fire on a cold winter evening, between the warmth of the flame and the warmth of companionship.

An evening of celebration in the square

The lighting of the large bonfire is the highlight of the day, but the celebration begins earlier: the food stalls offer hot drinks, minestrone, and cotechino to warm up young and old, while the Epiphany lottery draw adds a touch of anticipation. A simple and genuine event, perfect for experiencing the atmosphere of the winter traditions of Bassa Friulana.