La Fugarena

Terra del Sole, Italy

Website: http://www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en/events/details/forl%C3%AC%20-%20cesena/folklore-and-festivals/

La Fugarena is an ancient pagan harvest festival held in Piazza d'Armi, in the fortress city of Terra del Sole. The centrepiece is a huge bonfire, lit in ancient times to give thanks to the gods for the harvest.

These days the festivities attract more than 2000 competitors and include events like cross-country running, children's art exhibitions, markets, traditional games and performances by local bands (brass, not indie...).

The many food stalls offer the visitor a chance to savour local delicacies, as well as the new wines of the year. Bonfire lit after dark