Torchlight Procession, Polenta and Mulled Wine

The torchlight procession illuminating the village of Opi

In the heart of the Abruzzo winter, when snow blankets the mountains of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, the small town of Opi, in the province of L'Aquila, lights up one of its most beloved traditions: the Torchlight Procession, Polenta and Mulled Wine. Just after the Epiphany, the medieval stone village, perched at 1,250 meters in altitude between Pescasseroli and Villetta Barrea, transforms into an enchanted setting lit by hundreds of torches.

An Epiphany tradition

The festival, organized by the Pro Loco of Opi, attracts residents and visitors every year. At sunset, the community gathers in the historic center for a picturesque torchlight parade that winds through the village's alleys and cobblestone streets, symbolically chasing away the darkness and cold of winter. The light of the flames dancing among the ancient stone houses creates a unique atmosphere, one of the most characteristic in the Upper Sangro Valley.

Polenta Opiana and mulled wine

The gastronomic heart of the evening is the Polenta Opiana, a traditional Abruzzo peasant dish, served hot and steaming alongside mulled wine and hot chocolate. Around the fire, amidst festive music and the scent of winter flavors, the Opi community shares a moment of conviviality that unites different generations: adults and children, often in traditional dress, participate in the festivities together.

Opi, a jewel of the Abruzzo National Park

Opi is one of the most evocative villages in the Abruzzo Region: a stone town nestled in a natural amphitheater, surrounded by beech forests and mountains. Its name is said to derive from Ops, the ancient Roman goddess of fertility and abundance. Immersed in the National Park, the town preserves the charm of a medieval village and is an ideal destination for those seeking authenticity, nature, and tradition. The Torchlight Procession is the perfect opportunity to discover Opi in its most poetic winter guise.

A community event

More than just a food festival, the Torchlight Procession, Polenta and Mulled Wine is a collective ritual that strengthens the bonds of the small mountain community and welcomes the new year with a spirit of sharing. Participation is free and open to everyone, in a warm atmosphere that heats up even the coldest January evenings.