TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS

Torpè is historically open to hospitality and conviviality and well known for its strong propensity to music and dancing. Here we can find excellences in all kinds of genres of the oral tradition, carried on by several singers and virtuous instrumentalists. One of the most deeply felt celebrations in Torpè is S. Antonio’s. The festivity is preceded by days of preparation, when “frasche” (herbs from the Mediterranean scrub) are collected to create huge structures carried on trucks, carts pulled by tractors and various vehicles (once wagons pulled by oxen) which parade along the village decorated with oranges and colorful ribbons to the delight of the audience. The technical expertise of the craftmen is such that the height and the appearance of these green structures are incredible, making this one of the most spectacular celebrations of the whole Island. Guests and tourists are welcomed with local sweets (“sos cogoneddos”) music, good wine and dancing, and the Holy Mass is celebrated in S. Antonio church. Nearby, the “frasche” are lain down in a spectacular way to make a huge bonfire called “su fogulone” around which people perform ritual circles in a procession. S. Antonio Committee offers a banquet around the fire for the whole day and the celebration ends late at night after long days devoted to a strong sense of community, joy of hospitality and faith.