La Fugarena, antica sagra popolare di Terra del Sole (Ancient Folk Festival)

La Fugarena is a historic folk festival held in Terra del Sole, a hamlet of Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole. The celebration traces its roots back to an agrarian propitiatory and thanksgiving ritual celebrating the farming season, traditionally observed after all the harvests of the surrounding countryside are complete. The focal point of the feast is the lighting of the great bonfire in the main square, fueled by pruned branches and brushwood, following the solemn offering and blessing of the fruits of the earth at the Church of Santa Reparata. The event blends rural spirituality with community conviviality. Throughout the day, food stalls managed by the Pro Loco of Terra del Sole and the Borghi Romano and Fiorentino serve traditional local delicacies such as polenta, Romagna piadina, fried piadina, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine. The celebration also features street markets, artisan and local farm produce stalls, the children's creative arts showcase Art'infanzia, traditional folk games, street artists, and guided tours of the Museum of Man and the Environment in Palazzo Pretorio.