Taggia's St. Benedict celebrations have been taking place for about 400 years

One of the most ancient Ligurian traditions takes place every year in Taggia, near Imperia, at the end of the month of February: the celebrations in honor of St. Benedict.

The 36^th edition will take place this year on Saturday 27^th and Sunday, February 28^th, 2016, following another truly unique event, the night of the “fulgari” on Saturday February 13^th.

Fulgari are hollow bamboo sticks handcrafted and filled with iron filings and gunpowder which create high waterfalls of colorful sparks; they definitely make for a picturesque night, with a slight hint of madness. All night, crowds of people walk through Taggia's alleyways and squares, stop at bonfires, lit furgari, listen to music and taste local dishes and wine at the various cellars. Celebrations last until dawn.

The historical parade and reenactment take place on Sunday 27^th. The reenactment is on Sunday morning, at 10.30 when the "Taggiaschi", wearing medieval costumes, engage in the town's districts competition, an event dating back to 1626 and still a very felt tradition today. The different districts host reenactment of some important events of the past (famine, plague, the arrival of nobles and cardinals, knights duels) and of daily life.

The fascinating historical parade follows, in the afternoon: this is maybe one of the last in Italy where participants wear ancient costumes.

Legend traces the origins of these celebrations back to the narrow escape from Saracen invasions, which were quite frequent in the Ligurian Sea at the time. Thanks to St. Benedict, who suggested to lit big fires in every town square, Saracens approaching the coast saw that the city of Taggia was already the subject of looting and therefore went on to other shores.