An ancient ritual linked to the pre-Christian tradition, the Torciata celebrated the arrival of Spring with a propitiatory for the new season.

The tradition draws its origins from the most ancient times, this kind of ceremonies were in fact already in use among the Etruscans. The rite of fire was associated with the idea of ​​purification and called for rich harvests and fertile countryside. During the Middle Ages, this rite was associated with the celebrations in honor of St. Joseph, and have continued until today.

The celebrations in honor of San Giuseppe in Pitigliano begin a couple of days before March 19th, with various initiatives, excursions, sports competitions and much more… and ends on the evening of 19th, with the big bonfire in the square in front of the town.

On the evening of March 19, forty torches, hooded and dressed in traditional clothes, depart from Via Cava del Gradone carrying a bundle of wood and reeds on their shoulders, cross the valley of the Meleta stream and arrive in the square of the Municipality of Pitigliano, where it was previously set up a straw puppet, several meters high, which symbolizes winter, in dialect the innacciu. Here the bundle of reeds they carry is set on fire and used to kick off the great bonfire that the puppet will burn, symbolizing the end of Winter and the arrival of the long-awaited Spring. Once the puppet has been set on fire, the hooded men, hand in hand, create a circle around the fire, dancing all together, recalling ancient rites and traditions.

According to legend, it was customary to bring home a handful of ashes from the bonfire, to ensure a rich harvest and good luck. Even today, especially among the elderly, there is the custom of collecting ashes as a sign of good luck.