Today, in Lombardy but especially in Milan, a slice of panettone is a must
On February 3rd of each year, on the occasion of San Biagioa very particular ritual is practiced: the consumption of leftover panettone from the Christmas holidays. This tradition, widespread especially in Milan and various areas of Lombardy, is not only a moment of gluttony, but also a superstitious gesture dedicated to health. According to an ancient Milanese saying, in fact, “San Bias se benedis la forza e él nas”, which translates as “San Biagio blesses the throat and the nose”. The last slices of panettone, in other words, would have protective virtues against seasonal ailments. But few know why this is so.
the stale panettone
—
This popular belief is placed in the context of local religious holidays, including the Candlemas Feastcelebrated on February 2, and the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord or of Purification, both very popular in the Lombardy provinces. Tradition dictates that the panettone left over from the holidays, although a little stale, should come subjected to blessing so as to return not only good to eat, but even healing. It is enough to consume even just a small piece of it for breakfast to effectively combat – at least that’s what they say – colds and sore throats. During the feast of San Biagio, the faithful bring the dessert to the church where for the first mass of the day; after which, the priest blesses him. Then, we have a sweet party all together.
the Saint
—
Saint Blaise of Sebaste he was a 3rd and 4th century Armenian bishop martyred for his faith. It is said that he suffered atrocious tortures such as flaying and beheading, thus becoming the patron saint of otolaryngologists and gods throat ailments. His life is surrounded by legends and miracles, including the healing of a child who had a bone stuck in his throat. It is said that the saint made the child eat a piece of hardened bread, thus freeing him from the bone and allowing him to breathe again. Precisely for this reason, in many regions of Italy, the feast of San Biagio is celebrated with a blessing on the throat using blessed candles during Candlemas, February 2nd. Among the legends linked to San Biagio, a particularly evocative one is that which concerns Brother Desiderio, a character who belongs to popular folklore. The story tells of a peasant woman who, shortly before Christmas, went to Friar Desiderio to have the panettone prepared for her family blessed. However, the friar was busy with her and asked her to leave the dessert, promising to bless it later. Unfortunately, the friar forgot about it. And so, when the woman returned to get it back, Brother Desiderio was surprised to find instead of her a panettone from double the size compared to the one worn by the woman in December.
events
—
On the occasion of the feast of San Biagio, on 3 February, numerous cities in Lombardy and throughout Italy celebrate the patron saint of ENT doctors and throat ailments with parties in the square, stalls and events, even if not always with panettone. For example:
- Mantua: In Cavriana, the town of the Torta di San Biagio, the Ancient Fair of San Biagio is held. The stands display local products and cultural events are organized such as the collective painting exhibition and the cooking show. The day culminates with the cutting of the maxi San Biagio cake, the sweet symbol of the celebration.
- Monza: The streets of Monza come alive with stalls and shops open for the occasion. The tradition of the blessed panettone, preserved until the feast of the saint, is renewed with the tasting of the traditional dessert.
- Magenta: The city of Saints celebrates San Biagio with a traditional fair and stalls in the historic center. Activities include the distribution of sweets and chestnuts, the blessing with the relic of San Biagio and the tasting of tripe, among other cultural events.
- Other locations: In different areas of Italy, San Biagio is celebrated with ancient rites and culinary traditions. TO Vinago, a hamlet of Mornago, the San Biagio bonfire is lit, a sign that winter is coming to an end. TO Salemi, in Sicily, the characteristic cavadduzzi and cuddureddi are prepared, symbols of the saint’s protection against famine and ailments. In Spainin the Basque Country region, the San Blas cake is prepared, to be consumed after the saint’s blessing.
Gazzetta dello Sport
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED