Emilia Romagna, Italy, 2020 

In 2003, UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, ratified by Italy in 2007. The ritual of Pasqua Epifania, more commonly known as Pasquella (pasquèla), fits fully within the framework recognized by UNESCO, embracing an extensive territory, from Romagna to Marche passing through some areas of Lazio, Abruzzo and Molise. It is a quest that has its roots in ancient times and commonly takes place on the night between 5th and 6th January, at the end of the 11-days and 12-nights of connection between the lunar and solar calendar, a period full of symbols in which the world of the dead becomes closer to that of the living.

The pasquaroli or pasqualotti walk, at night, towards the houses and while singing, they ask permission to enter bringing in good wishes, fertility and abundance. They are offered drinks and food. They are respected because, on that night, they can tell the dead about issues of this world. With propitiatory songs, they can calm the spirits and restore order in the traditional cosmology.

After the Second World War and the socio-economic changes that derived from it, this sense of cyclical ritual decayed to see new light under a renewed interest in the 70s. Today we are witnessing a re-adaptation of the ritual with young pasquaroli such as the Strambalè ad Ziznatic (means “The outstanding from Cesenatico”), who despite having embarked on the path of tradition, do not neglect elements of originality, begging to private homes, bars and commercial activities while collecting offers for charity.

Every year, since December for two months, there are local gatherings, shows in theaters, festivals, where pasquaroli mix sacred and profane: the sacred is the tradition and the profane the show.