Popular Traditions

The popular traditions of Valle Sabbia show evidence of the people in the past who knew to trust their instincts and in doing so were able to overcome life’s daily obstacles. It is not a mere reconstruction but rather, usage of customs that have been handed down for centuries that tell a story of simplicity and richness among the people.

SINGING OF THE STAR
Sabbio Chiese, Treviso Bresciano, Lemprato and Cróne (village in the municipality of Idro), 4th- 5th of January

On the eve of the Epiphany, a choir passes through the streets of the village singing songs of good wishes. The parade is guided by a luminous star, often flanked by a small crib.

CARNIVAL OF BAGOLINO

During the period of Carnival, the Balarì dancers with their characteristic masks and costumwes dance in the streets. the counterparts of the Balarì are the Mascher, who are humble and popula characters. The dances are guided by the rhythmsof the ariosa music, which is composed by melodies that are symbolic of the villages’ strong identity.

CARNIVAL OF LIVEMMO
Livemmo, fraz. di Pertica Alta

Livemmo, a village in the municipality of Pertica Alta.
The masks which were invented at the beginning of the 20th century are the core of the celebration: “la vecia del val” is the woman that brings the man in the basket and the “l’omaghi del zerlo” is the dairyman of the mountain who brings the farmer in the basket. Both characters wear special wooden-soled boots. Music, songs and dances are a part of the celebrations and customs.

TO BURN THE VECIA (OLD WOMAN)
In the middle of the Lent period.

It is a pagan rite celebrated by the peasants to protect them from the infertility of the ground and to rip destroy negative feelings and passions.
The simulacrum of the Vecia (dialectal expression to indicate an old woman) is carried in procession around the village, accompanied by the sound of traditional instruments and songs.

Stratto Marzo
Capovalle, 21st of March.

In this very ancient tradition, the arrival of the new season is celebrated with a metaphoric engagement to welcome the fertility of the land and the blossoming of love. Stratto Marzo – 21 Marzo, Capovalle

ROMAN BINGO “LE CARTELE”
All year, Vobarno

Roman Bingo is a peculiar version of Bingo in which figures of animals or symbols and object of the rural life are used in place of numbers. This game is also known by the name of “Le Cartéle”.
Gioco della Tombola Romana, le Cartèle

FEAST OF SAINT LORENZO, BRISCOLATA IN THE SQUARE
Presegno (municipality of Lavenone), 10th of August

This feast, in honor of Saint Lorenzo, brings together all the natives of the village. The celebration takes place in the square, where the people feast on Polenta Tiragna (delicious polenta with meat, butter and other ingredients) along with other local products and play Briscolata (a game of cards).

GAME OF THE LENGALOSTRO
September, Vallio Terme

Lengalostro is an ancient game of bowls from the area of Valle Sabbia. In this particular game a playing field doesn’t exist and the players move along a circuit through the village and the bush.

TORCH-LIGHT PROCESSION OF SAINT LUCIA
Sabbio Chiese 12th of December

A torch-light procession begins at the ancient cult site of the church of Saint Onofrio and travels through the village. Fiaccolata di Santa Lucia.

SAINT LUCIA
Vallio Terme 12th of December

Saint Lucia is a character from Bresciano folklore who, on the nights between the 12th and 13th of December, brings gifts to the children.
In the village of Vallio, the tradition is to prepare a kart with donkeys and escort the Saint to the square where she is met by the children eagerly awaiting her gifts.

BAGHECC AND STREET MUSIC
Vobarno

In the village of Valle Sabbia the local “Compagnia delle Pive” executes the Baghècc and the traditional song with ancient popular instruments of the Alpine valleys

LIVING CRIB
Preseglie 24th of December

The villagers re-enact this tradition with a role play in which they become different characters inside their homes.

SIER
Alone (a village of the municipality of Casto) 24th of December

After the Mass on Christmas Eve, the big Sièr is burnt in the square out the front of the church. The Sièr is a fir tree which is prepared with the contribution of all families. This celebration is a ceremony to welcome the solstice of winter and is followed by the distribution of sweets and wine. Preseglie