The traditional “Giubiana’s feast” in Como
Do you already know the “Giubiana”?
“Giubiana” in northern Italy
The “Giubiana feast” near Como
In the Como’s area every year is celebrated the Giubiana’s day, through the lighting of a bonfire to exorcise the winter. It’s important to know that the character of Giubiana is very different from place to place. In all versions of the story there is an old woman or a witch that is scaring or eating children. And in the end the story is similar: in all versions of the legend in fact, the witch is deceived and children are saved. In one case, the scam happens thanks to a rice dish with saffron and sausage (known as Luganega). This very good dish distracted her, that forgot the arrival of the day and disappeared because of daylight. In other areas we find a young woman rather than an old one, for example, in Cantù, probably due to events related to the history of the city.
How does it work the “Giubiana” Feast?
Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons