Cantù's purifying fire ritual

Every year since ancient times the puppet of a beautiful girl is carried in procession towards the square of Cantù. She is mocked and humiliated because she betrayed the city, stealing her keys with cunning, handing them over to the Como people. It was the year 1127 Cantù was fighting alongside Milan against its rival Como, the girl, in search of help, found hospitality in Cantù but was a deceiver. Milan later won the victory, Cantù freed, the girl was tried and burned. It is just a legend, one of those inextricably linked to the territory, which has become a symbol of auspiciousness for the new year. Equally ancestral is for man the game with fire, a challenge that gathers the community, which singing against the bad events of the old year, sips mulled wine and awaits the response. If the girl burns out completely, the year will be propitious. Following the historical procession through the streets and awaiting the trial of the girl in the square, the Luganega risotto with saffron and sausage is offered.