350th San Nicolò Bonfire
350th Edition of San Nicolò Bonfire
Under the patronage of the Municipality of Borgo Tossignano
🔥 A Historic Anniversary
2026 marks an exceptional milestone: the 350th edition of the San Nicolò Bonfire, one of the oldest and most heartfelt traditions in Tossignano, which is renewed every year on December 6th since 1676.
This anniversary represents a special moment to celebrate 350 years of uninterrupted history, a living testimony to the cultural continuity of our village.
📜 History and Tradition
As documented by historian Sanzio Bombardini's research, written testimonies of this celebration date back to 1676:
"The San Nicolò bonfire was lit by the students in the main square. They came out with candles from the Church of San Girolamo singing a refrain to the patron saint. With their savings they paid five baiocchi to the Company of the Holy Sacrament of San Girolamo for the wax consumption..."
Tradition has it that the bonfire is lit by students in the village's main square. The evening begins with an evocative procession: the children come out of the Church of San Girolamo carrying lit candles and singing ancient refrains in honor of San Nicolò, patron saint of scholars.
This ritual, passed down from generation to generation for three and a half centuries, represents a moment of gathering for the entire community and a way to keep alive the cultural roots of the territory.
🎉 350th Edition Program
To celebrate this important anniversary, the evening will have a special program (to be defined).
Traditional program:
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7:00 PM - Lighting of the great bonfire in Tossignano's main square
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7:30 PM - Blessing of the students at the Church of San Girolamo, followed by the traditional procession with candles
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8:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Tastings and conviviality with Romagna specialties:
- 🍲 Polenta with ragù prepared according to tradition
- 🥖 Piadina hot from the oven
- 🌰 Roasted chestnuts
- 🍷 Mulled wine to warm up around the fire
📍 Practical Information
Where: Piazza Maggiore, Tossignano
When: December 6, 2026, from 7:00 PM
Entrance: Free and open to all
Parking: Available near the historic center
🎊 350 Years of Tradition
An event not to be missed to celebrate together this extraordinary milestone and pay tribute to a tradition that has united the community of Tossignano for three and a half centuries.
More details about the special program for the 350th edition will be published in the coming weeks.