Firing Up Bonfire Night

Sharing a traditional Italian feast with family and friends is a cherished part of Italian life, and the public holiday of ‘La festa di Ognissanti’ (All Saints Day) on 1st November is no different. As Italians get together to enjoy authentic BIRRA MORETTI or BIRRA MORETTI ZERO alongside customary foods like roasted chestnuts, pumpkin risottos and truffles, we celebrate Bonfire Night.

Here’s how Italians enjoy and make the most of bonfire festivals that take place throughout Italy – some food for thought for adding an Italian twist to your Guy Fawkes festivities.

FESTA DEI FALÒ

Festa dei Falò (bonfire festivals) mark various occasions throughout the year in Italy. Bonfires are lit in early January to signify the end of one year and the beginning of another, while others are lit during Italy’s Carnevale season (celebrated after Epiphany in February/March, before Lent), and during Lent itself.

As with everything in Italy, each region has its own ancient traditions and celebrations – often seeing passionate rivalry between local towns. The Northeast celebrates the ‘Epiphany’ (La Befana) national holiday with bonfires on 6th January where they burn an effigy. Whereas Southern Italy lights impressive bonfires on 16^th and 17^th January (considered the longest and darkness nights of the year) and Northern Italy on mid-Lent Thursday.

PLANNING A BONFIRE NIGHT PARTY

Whatever region, occasion, or time of year - bonfire festivals mark a moment for Italians to meet and celebrate together. There’s dancing, eating, parties, parades and BIRRA MORETTI or BIRRA MORETTI ZERO.

KEEP IT LOCAL

Festa dei Falò are a source of local pride and tradition in Italy, so Italians stay local. It’s where they meet and celebrate with friends and neighbours, so take a look at what’s on in your local town. Many are abuzz with street parades and flamboyant floats, just like in Italy. Alocal pub is therefore the perfect meeting place to start the evening with a traditional BIRRA MORETTI Aperitivo.

FIND YOUR BIRRA MORETTI LOCAL HERE

Italians enjoy Festa dei Falò celebrations well into the night. So, after your local fireworks finale, head home with family and friends to continue the festivities.

ROASTING CHESTNUTS

Roasting chestnuts is a deep-rooted tradition in Italian culture and has been for centuries. Italians love strolling into town with loved ones to indulge in freshly-roasted chestnuts – the beautiful aromas fill Italy’s streets and piazzas at this time of year.

Italian street vendors use wood-burning roasters. You can re-create the smoky taste and soothing, nostalgic, and magical aromas by roasting these in the oven. Simply wrap them in foil to keep them deliciously tender – a tasty and warming pre-dinner antipasto. The earthy and sweet nutty flavours, alongside their buttery and meaty texture, taste delicious with BIRRA MORETTI.

BONFIRE NIGHT RECIPES

Traditional Italian foods eaten during bonfire festivals also vary by region, giving you plenty of choice for these darker and chillier November nights. All these authentic Italian dishes pair fantastically with BIRRA MORETTI and BIRRA MORETTI ZERO.

Risotto is popular during the ‘Festa della Giubiana’ in January, which is celebrated in parts of Northern Italy. We’ve got a delicious risotto recipe for you to try, which includes truffle – a popular delicacy at this time of year.

Southern Italy enjoys lasagne during Carnevale; ‘Lasagne di Carnevale’ is a popular Neapolitan dish, especially popular on those colder nights. Other savoury foods enjoyed in the lead up to Lent include gnocchi (potato dumplings) and tortelli (‘filled’ pasta).

DISCOVER OUR TRUFFLE RISOTTO RECIPE HERE

Carnevale is particularly famed for its sweet treats (which are mostly fried), as Italians enjoy the final days of luxury before lent. You’re therefore spoilt for choice when it comes to desserts to serve up at your bonfire night party. Italians enjoy ‘chiacchiere’ (fried dough strips), ‘fritole veneziane’ (sugar-dusted doughnuts), ‘cannoli’ (ricotta-filled wafers) and ‘pignolata’ (fritters with honey and pine nuts).

If you’d prefer a baked treat, other popular Carnevale choices include ‘tortelli dolci’ (baked sweet ravioli with ricotta and chocolate chips) and ‘migliaccio’ (lemon and ricotta cake). There’s also ‘pinza’, an orange-scented yeast fruit cake traditionally eaten for Epiphany in the north-east of Italy.

ITALIAN LIVING

Italians are famed for savouring every opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Food is always central, and they love spending time outdoors.

So, enjoy firing up your bonfire night party into something truly special with great company, delicious Italian food and authentic BIRRA MORETTI or BIRRA MORETTI ZERO for a true taste of an Italian-style bonfire festival.