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But Nusco is also known for one of the most ancient festivals of Irpinia that takes place in January every year. It is the Night of Bonfires, celebration of a very ancient tradition. It seems, in fact, that the first bonfires were lit to drive away the plague that in 1656 brought the town to its knees with 1200 victims. But the tradition of bonfires also refers to the celebrations in honour of Sant'Antonio Abate that the calendar fixes on January 17th to celebrate the victory that the saint had against the devil after having saved some souls from the underworld. The event takes place in the historical center for three days, from January 18th to 20th. The ancient heart of Nusco turns into a big laboratory where food and wine products and handicrafts are exhibited, together with live concerts of folkloristic music, performances of street artists and various kinds of shows. So this is the right occasion to fully live the ancient tradition, tasting the typical dishes of the territory while watching the lighting of the suggestive bonfires.
