Traditions and folklore in Fiuggi

It is said that in 1298 it was "Stuzze" festival that saved the town from an attack by the papal troops. The soldiers arrived at the town gates during the night and, mistaking the celebration bonfires for a fire, thought that their allies had got there before them and went away. The next day when the people learned of their escape they chose the saint of the day. Saint Blaise, as their patron. “Stuzze” (stubble) used to be burned during the Festival, which goes back to pagan times; over the years they became trunks of oak trees or even wooden huts covered with broom branches specially built for the rite. The Feast os Saint Blaise is on the 3^rd of February but the festival is held again on the first Sunday of August so that summer visitors can enjoy the town's traditions. Very few traces can be found of the skill with which Fiuggi craftsmen used to work wrought iron. However there are some excellent artisan's work-shops in the old town and, expecially during the tourist season, art galleries and auctioneers.

Texts and photos courtesy of A.P.T. Frosinone