The Pignarûl Grant

From January 4 to 6 in the town of Tarcento one of the most evocative festivals dedicated to Epiphany, the "Pignarûl Grant," has been held - since 1928. The festivities begin on January 4 with the presentation of the "Epiphany Grant." The following day, however, the exciting "Palio dei Pignarulârs" is held, a race with fiery floats along the town's main avenue. The event concludes on Jan. 6 with the marcialonga "A tôr pai pignarûi," an evocative display of flag-wavers and a historical procession that parades through the streets of the center. Also, at 6 p.m., a torchlight procession in period costumes begins, ascending to the Ciscjelat (the "castellaccio" of Coia) together with the "Vecchio Venerando," who along the route tells legends and traditions related to the holiday. Reaching the remains of the old manor, the Old Venerable lights the "Pignarûl Grant" and the other fires at 7 p.m., and then expresses his prophecy: if the smoke goes toward the east it will be an auspicious year, if it goes in the opposite direction it will be a more complicated year. At the end of this enthralling procession, the event ends with a fireworks display.