Hello and welcome!
Yesterday here in Somma Lombardo, where I live, it was Saint Agnes day, the city's patron. So it was a day of festivities, and they do a particular thing every year.
They light up a fire below a cotton ball, and the year will be amazing if it burns well. If it doesn't, it means the year will be no good. Yesterday it burned out in a few seconds, while in the year of covid-19, I remember it didn't and needed more help to burn completely.
So this 2023 "should" be an
excellent year for my city :) There's also a typical sweet made of puff pastry and cream they make yearly in the form of a lamb.
That's why St. Agnes always was figured with lambs around her. And that's why we never let her statue in the church stay without a lit candle.
The day
after, they burn a little ball of cotton in the church for those who couldn't see the real one the day before.
So, if you ever come to Malpensa airport and have little time, do not miss visiting the Saint Agnes church in the central plaza. Know you know the story.
I wish everyone a Happy Sunday!
Thanks a lot, and see you soon,
Alessandro Zamboni