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A towering inferno in honor of Sant'Antonio Abate
Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
A handful of devotees braved the cold Thursday night for the St. Rocco Society’s
annual falò di Sant'Antuono, or St. Anthony’s Bonfire. Keeping the tradition of our ancestors, every January 17th a large pyre is set ablaze in honor of the great saint who, according to the Promethean legend, stole fire from the Devil for the sake of humanity. The conflagration and revelry is said to ward off suffering, disease and evil spirits. Viva Sant’Antonio!
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| After a delicious pork dinner, Stephen and the boys erect the pyre |
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| Everyone watches in anticipation as our host lights the bonfire |
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| Stephen leads us in prayer |
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| Driving away the evil spirits |
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(Above & below) Family and friends
joyously celebrating our faith and culture |
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| The adults enjoyed a little amaro alla rucola from Ischia |
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| Aiz’ aiz’ aiz’, acal’, acal’, acal’, accost’, accost’, accost’, a salut’ vost’ |
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| A few diehards didn't want to let the fire die down... |
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...but after a couple hours we ran out of combustible material
and continued the party indoors |
