falë

Falò is the Italian term for a bonfire, a large outdoor fire built for celebration, ritual, or signaling. In Italian-speaking communities, falò are used in both religious and secular festivities and are often linked to seasonal cycles, such as summer and winter solstices, harvest fairs, and local processions.

The word derives from Latin focus and has been used in Italian since the Middle Ages to denote a substantial fire. The accent in falò helps indicate stress in pronunciation.

Notable examples include the Notte di San Giovanni (St. John’s Eve), when towns and coastal towns light fires on beaches or hilltops to welcome the summer. Regional variations exist in size and practice: some communities build modest fires for neighborhood gatherings, while others organize large municipal pyres that attract spectators. The fires are often accompanied by music, food, and traditional rites.

Beyond symbolism, falò perform social functions by reinforcing community ties, marking time, and providing a setting for storytelling and ritual cleansing or renewal. Fire is sometimes believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune and to bring good luck.

In modern Italy, falò are frequently organized by municipalities, cultural associations, or schools, with attention to safety and environmental regulations. Where permitted, they are staged in public spaces such as beaches, parks, or town squares, and may coexist with other festivities such as markets or fireworks.