| So you are hankering to visit southern Italy in | | | | localities celebrate with parades, music, and bonfires. |
| January, but just aren't sure what to see and what | | | | St. Anthony's Day is widely celebrated in Sardinia on |
| to do. Don't despair; you can find many, many special | | | | January 16 and 17. Ancient tradition tells us that the |
| events that simply aren't available in the good old | | | | saint, like Prometheus, stole into hell and brought |
| summertime. Here are a few of them. Get rolling; | | | | back fire, so a bonfire is at the center of the |
| Janaury is almost upon us. A Palio is a horse race that | | | | festivities. Each town sets different herbs and fruits |
| pits neighborhoods against one another. Pignola, | | | | atop the blaze, creating a unique aroma. The women |
| Basilicata hosts the Palio of S. Antonio Abate in | | | | bring sweets and dark fruity loaves of pane |
| mid-January. Villa d'Agri, Basilicata celebrates Befana | | | | nigheddu, while men enjoy wine and aquavit. The |
| Canterina. You might know that Befana is an old | | | | most spectacular celebration is said to be in |
| woman dressed as a witch who gives sweets to the | | | | Mamoiada, where 12 frightening masks called |
| good kiddies and coal to the bad ones. In mid-January | | | | mamuthones represent the months of the year. |
| Rotondella, Basilicata hosts the Feast of Sant'Antonio | | | | Every weekend from early January to mid February |
| Abate and Feast of Fire Festival on the following day. | | | | Alghero hosts its BogamarìSea Urchin Festival |
| Corigliano Calabro hosts the Calabria Orange Festival | | | | that dates back to the days when Sardinia was ruled |
| and Procession. | | | | by Catalonia; this town's nickname is still Barcelonetta |
| If you want good luck in the New Year give kiddies | | | | and the old people still speak a form of Catalan. The |
| some money or candies. This tradition is kept more in | | | | restaurants offer specials such as Spaghetti al Riccio |
| the small towns near Napoli than in Naples itself. | | | | di mare (Spaghetti a la Sea Urchins) best enjoyed |
| Caserta holds its Festival of St. Sebastian in January. | | | | with local white wine. |
| Make sure to see its Royal Palace, a UNESCO World | | | | In early January Piana degli Albanesi holds a Greek |
| Heritage Site that was headquarters to the Allied High | | | | Orthodox Ritual and Procession. Nicolosi, near Mount |
| Command in World War II. Italy celebrates Saint | | | | Etna, celebrates San Antonio Abate on January 17. |
| Biago Day on February 3rd. He was the saint of the | | | | Get up early; ceremonies begin before dawn when |
| throat. It's a traditional to honor him by eating | | | | the monks repeat their vows of dedication to God |
| leftover Panettone (Italian Christmas cake) with a | | | | and to the Saint. The day continues with parades and |
| glass of wine; your throat will thank you. Some | | | | solemn ceremonies. |