On August 18, “Fragments of Antiquity,” one of the most anticipated events in Molise, takes place in Bagnoli del Trigno. This event, created in 1994 and organized by the “Compagnia di Cultura Popolare La Perla del Molise,” celebrates local tradition and history, attracting thousands of visitors.
The festival is a tribute to St. Catherine and opens with a sumptuous procession of nobles in period dress, led by the Duke, who make their way from the castle to the main square. Here they are met by the “capifuoco,” the heads of families of the past, who proceed to elect the mayor using the system of the fava and the bean: the bean symbolizes a positive vote, the fava a negative one. From this practice is said to derive the saying “going bean.”
Once the election is over, the procession proceeds to the lower part of the town where rites are held in honor of St. Catherine. The Duke thanks the Saint for protecting him from brigands, thus kicking off the festivities with typical dishes, music, dancing and fireworks.
But the most anticipated moment comes with the legend of the Fairy Trignina. According to tradition, on an August night, fairies hover from the castle and those who can see them can make a wish. As everyone rolls their eyes to the sky, two lovers hope to crown their dream of love.
At midnight, the fiancé brings a serenade to his beloved, who appears on the balcony and then comes down to embrace him. However, the romantic atmosphere is disturbed by the arrival of the Duke, who is furious with the people for not paying the ransom. Determined to take revenge, he attempts to reassert ius primae noctis. The people, exasperated by his anguish, rise up: the Duke is killed and the castle set on fire.
The spectacular burning of the castle, reproduced with pyrotechnics, marks the conclusion of the event. The bride and groom can finally experience their love, and the audience is captivated by a magical and timeless atmosphere.