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| Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono |
Tuesday evening, members and friends of the San Rocco Society gathered in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn for our Annual Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono, or St. Anthony bonfire. Honoring the father of Western monasticism, the purifying conflagration is an ancient tradition meant to ward off evil spirits, protect animals and livestock, and secure a bountiful harvest.
Representing the Saint's triumph over Satan and temptation, the fire ritual also signifies a time of renewal, or regeneration, as spring draws near and winter comes to an end.
A magical night, old tales tell that animals regain the ability to speak and misfortune befalls those who overhear them.
Patron saint of animals, livestock, farmers, anchorites, hospitallers, basket makers, bell ringers, gravediggers, amputees, pizza makers, and the glowing embers of hearths; Sant'Antuono is also invoked against pestilence, skin maladies, ergotism, contagious diseases and demonic possession, among other things.
Taking comfort around the protecting flames, revelers ate, drank and prayed to our beloved patron. Continuing into the night, the fire was steadily fed old Christmas trees, dried palm fronds from Palm Sunday, and other kindling from the garden.
Heartfelt thanks to the La Rocca family for their seemingly endless warmth and hospitality. As always, it was a great joy to celebrate our faith and culture together. Evviva Sant'Antuono!
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(L) Our gracious host Stephen with a framed image
of Sant'Antuono Abate. (R) Votive candles |
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The image of Sant'Antuono Abate is from the Sant'Antonio
Abate Fraternal Society of Castrofilippo in Astoria, Queens |
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| Revelers gather around the fire |
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| After the bonfire was lit, only the good spirits remained |
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| Father Juan Luxamma blesses the fire and the participants |
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| Old Christmas trees were used as kindling |
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| (Above & below) The fire quickly turned into a towering inferno |
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In addition to Christmas trees, devotees took the opportunity
to burn old scapulars, palm fronds and other religious items |
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| Father Luxamma with the Guarini men |
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| Ray, Steve and John |
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| Gerardina served up some hot pizza |
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| As always, our gracious hosts had a delicious spread |
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Seeing as it is customary to eat pork on the feast,
I enjoyed a sausage and pepper sandwich |
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| For dessert there was a mouth-watering array of pastries and café |
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| I couldn't resist the Sicilian cartocci |
