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| A handful of neobriganti braved the cold weather Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
Reminiscent of the sagra del maiale (pig festival) celebrated over the summer, Chef Giordano once again treated us to an impressive array of delicious pork delicacies in honor of the great saint who, according to legend, stole fire from the Devil with the aid of a pig in order to help keep humanity warm.
Eating our fill of the delicious fatty fare, the more adventurous among us defied the elements and tarried around the bonfire (fucarazzo), traditionally set ablaze on the eve of the Feast of St. Anthony to ward off disease and evil spirits.
Partying well into the night, we eventually went back indoors to warm up and enjoy some more Strega, amaro and caffè. Viva ‘o Rre and Viva Sant’Antonio!
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| Portraits of Sant'Antuono Abate and King Francesco II on display |
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| Grilling the sausages |
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| Sweet and hot sausages |
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| Baking the potatoes in the hot ashes |
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| Keeping warm by the fire |
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| Marcantonio regaled us with a few traditional Neapolitan songs |
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| Brigante se more |
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| Andrew adds the pièce de résistance to the buffet table |
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| Guests were treated to a sumptuous repast |
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| Affettati e formaggio |
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| Sicilian pizza |
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| Freshly made mozzarella with olive oil |
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| We drank to the memory of good King Francis |
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| The fire smoldered well into the night |
