The Birth of a Unique Epiphany Bonfire
And so, Christmas is over. As a singer, I cherish the Christmas season—the music, the concerts, and the festive joy that fills the air. Although the holiday season starts earlier each year, it always feels like it’s over in a flash. For us Italians, Christmas extends beyond just one day. We have “La Vigilia” (Christmas Eve), “Santo Stefano” (St. Stephen’s Day), and the much-anticipated “Capodanno” (New Year’s Eve). But it all culminates with “L’Epifania” (Epiphany) on January 6th, marking the official end of the festive season. And like all Italian festivities, the centerpiece is tradition—and, of course, a lot of delicious food.
This year, after completing my Christmas concerts in the USA, I was lucky to spend the holiday with my family in Italy. There’s nothing like an Italian Christmas—so much food, cooking with mom, laughter, and togetherness. As the season wound down and the end of this magical time approached, I decided to brave the winter chill and go to Concordia Sagittaria, a charming town just 50 minutes from Venice. It’s a place I know very well, almost like being steeped in history. Once a thriving Roman settlement called Iulia Concordia, the town still bears traces of its glorious past. Beneath its cobbled streets lie layers of Roman ruins, there are at least two Roman cities beneath modern Concordia. Locals even joke about the need for nighttime gardening—if you dig up a Roman artifact during the day, archaeologists might swoop in to claim it! This humorous quirk perfectly captures the town’s unique blend of history and modern life.
But this charming village is more than just ancient stones; it’s a living, breathing community. There is nothing like the community of Concordia, with traditions that connect the past and present.
One tradition I especially look forward to is the “casera“—the Epiphany bonfire celebrated in Concordia Sagittaria. This charming town, rich in Roman history, is home to one of the most unique bonfire traditions—on the water. It all began exactly 50 years ago when four friends—two “Indians” and two “Cowboys”—were drinking coffee and came up with the idea.
Let me explain: Concordia, a very historic and charming place just 50 minutes by car from Venice, is divided by a river, the Lemene. The inhabitants on one side are called the “Indians,” while the other side is known as the “Cowboys.” They are friendly with each other and always have fun with their playful rivalry. So, 50 years ago, two “Indians” and two “Cowboys,” for fun, gave a new spin to this millennial tradition of the bonfire: they decided to build the casera in the middle of the Lemene River, a tradition that sets it apart from any other bonfire. The bonfire needed to be built on neutral ground—like Switzerland—between the “Indians” on one side and the “Cowboys” on the other, which just happened to be the famous river. So, the river that divided them became a symbol that unites them. For 50 years now, on the evening of January 5th, locals come together to see the bonfire in the river, a symbol of unity.
Also this year, on the evening of January 5th, families, friends, and visitors gathered along the riverbank, me included, braving the cold to witness this spectacular event. The mayor and local priest were escorted by boat to light the bonfire, which stood tall against the winter night. As flames leapt into the sky, their glow warmed the spirits of everyone watching, a stark contrast to the frosty air.
The “casera” is more than a mesmerizing fire; it’s a continuation of an old tradition deeply rooted in the Veneto Orientale and nearby Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. These New Year bonfires date back to pre-Christian purification rites, symbolizing hope, renewal, and abundance.
The direction of the bonfire’s smoke is closely observed—it’s believed to predict the prosperity of the coming year. It is common knowledge that the garbìn, a swirling wind from the southwest, signals rain, essential for preparing the fields for the next harvest, while the fùrlan, a wind from the northeast, brings dry weather, making the soil arid and resulting in a poor crop. Therefore many saying:’
“Pan e vin, la pinza sota el camino. Favèle a ponente, panoce gnente; favèle a levante, panoce tante.” (“Bread and wine, the pinza (a traditional cake) under the chimney. Sparks to the west, no corn at best; sparks to the east, corn harvest increased.”)
Well this year, the smoke drifted in a favorable direction, promising a prosperous 2025.
Also, for the bonfire event, like with all Italian celebrations, food played a central role. Stalls along the riverbank offered quick, delicious bites and warm drinks like mulled wine “bonvin” to keep the chill at bay. Sweet treats like “pinza” (a traditional, delicious cake) and other regional specialties added to the festive atmosphere. Almost everybody will go on a diet, I think, on January 7th when the year truly begins in Italy.
What struck me always is the sense of togetherness. The event drew people from Concordia—it felt like everybody was there—and neighboring towns, all wrapped in scarves and coats, united by the warmth of tradition. Despite the cold, the air was filled with laughter, music, and the joy of sharing a moment that transcends generations. My cousin Dario and his wife Arianna were actually selling food and drinks at one of the small wooden kiosks with friends, surrounded by friendly faces. The good thing about these little villages, and especially Concordia, is that everybody knows everybody. Their friendliness makes even the strangers stopping by to eat, drink, and say hello feel extra special, adding to the magic.
In addition to the bonfire, another beloved tradition for the Epiphany are the “Befane”, or “Epiphany witches”and many were walking around, wearing colorful, old-fashioned costumes complete with long noses, black shawls, broomsticks, and hats. They walk around town, bringing joy and laughter to people of all ages. The tradition in Concordia also has the Befane participate in a boat competition on the Lemene on the 6th, which ends with the Befane giving stockings filled with candies to the children after their blessing in the church on Epiphany Day.
Such a wonderful night, and as the flames died down, marking the end of the Epiphany celebration, the promise of a prosperous year lingered in the air. Concordia Sagittaria, with its rich history and vibrant traditions, continues to enchant both visitors and locals alike.
If you ever find yourself in Italy on January 5th, don’t miss the “Casera sul Lemene”. And if the smoke rises in the right direction, as it did this year, you can look forward to a year of good fortune.
Or stop by any time of the year: sit at a local bar, and within five minutes, you’ll make new friends. It’s a very friendly place, perhaps shaped by its name, as Concordia comes from the Latin word “concordia,” meaning “harmony” and “friendliness,” as it encompasses the broader concepts of mutual understanding and cooperation that really can be felt in this little village.
Here’s to a wonderful 2025 for all of us!
Giada
About Giada Valenti
Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy. She is best known in the United States for her PBS music special From Venice with Love, which aired nationally in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019. Another highlight was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him, at a concert benefitting his foundation. Her albums include And I Love You So, Italian Signorina, My Lullaby, and From Venice with Love. Giada is also a Tiramisu expert and has done cooking demos on television shows around the country making the famous Italian dessert. Giada has also been a co-host for several years for the Columbus Day Parade on ABC7 in New York.