The cult of Saint John the Baptist, superimposed on the Roman cult of Fors Fortuna in correspondence with the Summer Solstice is tied to the rhythms of agriculture and the sun, brings together two symbolic elements in themselves mixed like water and fire: one symbol of purification, through Baptism, and fertility, the other a symbol of light.
On this day, in many places d 'Italy is celebrated by burning the fires of "baldoria".
In Bagni di Lucca, a city of the thermal waters, in the town hall, held the traditional "Baldoria", a large fire by the "mercy seat" especially from the point of view of the harvest, which will be more profitable in the direction in which they will smoke and "moths" of the fire.
At 22:00, the oldest man of the village, surrounded by all those present, lit the huge bonfire followed by dancing outdoors.
In Bagni di Lucca Villa, village fair from 8:00 to 20:00.
BONFIRE 'OF ST JOHN
Bagni di Lucca, loc. Sala
June 23, 2017
22:00
free admission