2012 Tradizione, che Passione! (Tradition, what a Passion!), 4th Edition

On the occasion of the Feast of St. Antonio Abate (Jan. 17th), protector of animals, hard work and diligence of the farmer as well as founder of Christian monasticism and the first of the abbots, Cascia (PG) also for the 2012 will host the event dedicated to the Valnerina rural and religious traditions called Tradizione, che Passione! (Tradition, what a Passion!), now in its fourth edition.

The city of Santa Rita, during the 3 days of celebration (January 17th, 21st and 22nd, 2012), will turn into a huge "farm" with workshops and direct performances, intended to preserve the tradition of the ancient works and, if possible, passed on to succeeding generations. Not to mention the chance to taste the typical products of Valnerina as spelt, roveja, lentils, polenta, soups with Cascia's saffron, etc...

It starts Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 with two masses in honor of St. Anthony Abbot, both to the S. Antonio's Church organized by the Santesi S. Antonio. 8:15 am Mass of Santesi, 10:30 am Solemn Mass and blessing of the animals: in fact, starting from 11:45 in Piazza Garibaldi parade of animals and "asta delle agnelle" ("auction of the ewe lambs"). The asta delle agnelle is an auction of ewe lambs, only carried out on this occasion. The owners of herds using the proceeds for the maintenance of churches and to organize the celebrations of the Patron Saint of the animals' feast.

Saturday, January 21st, 2012, from 10:00 am, is the day dedicated to the "Festa delle Tradizioni rurali della montagna" ("Feast of the rural traditions of the mountain"): "Festival of old crafts"; stands of typical products and traditional recipes; spaces where children can learn the "culture and crafts of the past", in between playing and teaching; and folk music.

Sunday 22nd starts again from 10:00, but the highlight will be from 14:00 at the San Francesco Square with the "36esima Rassegna interregionale delle Pasquarelle" ("36th interregional Exhibition of the Pasquarelle"). The festival, one of the oldest and most important of popular music of the Valnerina, collects more than 30 formations of folk music of Umbria, Lazio, Marche and Abruzzo. Dressed in traditional clothing, the groups will compete to the sound of organ, accordion and Caccavella (similar, but not equal, at the Brasilian "Cuica"). At the end, "la merenda del contadino" ("the farmer's snack").

Following, the complete program of the 4th edition of Tradizione, che Passione!, 2012: 2012 Tradizione, che Passione! program (pdf 76 kb).

For further information, you can consult the lavalnerina.it website.