Ravascletto (UD) – Lancio Das Cidules

The Tîr des Cidulis is one of the most fascinating events in Carnia, a tradition deeply rooted in local history with meanings still debated by scholars today. The ceremony of launching the Cidules at Ravascletto represents an important moment in Friulian culture, keeping alive a practice whose origins stretch back to ancient times. The historical origins remain the subject of research. While some local sources suggest a connection with Alpine Celtic practices and the possible cult of the god Beleno (a Celtic solar deity venerated in Alpine regions), direct documentation of this specific tradition remains limited. Modern ethnographic studies have identified similar rituals in other mountain communities across the Alpine arc, suggesting a possible spread of common ritual practices. However, it is important to distinguish between scholars' interpretive hypotheses and verified historical data. In Ravascletto, the tradition continues to represent a moment of community cohesion and cultural transmission. Each celebration of the Cidules launch offers an opportunity to rediscover Carnia's historical roots and to reflect on how Alpine communities have preserved significant ritual practices over centuries. The event maintains authentic cultural value regardless of its remote origins, representing the living memory of a community.