The “Faglia di Oratino” is an ancient Christmas tradition that takes place in the village of stonecutters. This ritual involves the transport and lighting of an enormous torch of reeds, 13 meters long and one meter in diameter, which burns throughout Christmas night.
The preparation begins weeks before with the collection of reeds along the Biferno river. The assembly takes place in a courtyard at the entrance to the village, where numerous volunteers work every evening in December. The driest reeds are placed inside to encourage combustion, while the fresh ones form the outer layer. The entire structure is then tightened with 26-28 circles of manna ash, a flexible wood. The bundles are further compacted by the “battitori” with blows of wooden shovels (partiell’).
On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, the Faglia is lifted and carried on the shoulders of about fifty porters along an uphill and winding path, led by the “capo-Faglia”. During the journey, between songs, toasts and popular music, the procession proceeds with difficulty until it reaches the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo, the highest point of the village. The last stretch, at “Porta del Colle”, is particularly challenging and requires a precise maneuver.
Once it reaches the church, the Faglia is hoisted thanks to a system of ropes secured to the bell tower and nearby buildings. After the blessing of the parish priest, the torch is lit from above with a torch, illuminating the night and warming the hearts of those present. This evocative spectacle, in addition to symbolizing the birth of Jesus Christ, has its roots in pagan rites linked to the winter solstice and the cult of the Sun. Furthermore, it is believed that from the way in which the Faglia burns, omens can be drawn for the agricultural and social future of the village.
This tradition actively involves the community, strengthening the spirit of belonging and passing on an ancient rite to new generations.