Confeugo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Confeugo (IPA: /kuŋˈføːgu/ in Genoese, confuòco in Italian) is an ancient cultural event[1] in Liguria, traditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve or a couple of days before Christmas.[2] It is a historical event linked to the Republic of Genoa and is still commemorated today mainly in Genoa and Savona, but also in other Ligurian Municipalities that were once the seat of podesterie and capitaneati.[3]
As some historical sources testify, this tradition was born in Genoa in the early years of the fourteenth century, although most probably this historical event dates back to older times.[4] Born to pay homage to the highest office of the Free Commune - the podestà - and later of the Republic of Genoa (the Captains of the People) and since 1339 to the doge himself - the popular ceremony consists of donating a large laurel trunk, the branches of which are adorned with red and white ribbons (the colours of the Genoa flag) to the public authority. The laurel branches are then burned, and the name of this event actually derives from the Genoese/Italian word for bonfire. The bonfire was followed by the abbot reporting various city problems to the doge on a public square. In Genoa today, the role of the abbot of the people is played by the president of the historical Genoese association A Compagna and the doge is played by the mayor.
Historical commemoration has it that it is the abbot of the people - for Genoa the representative of the three Podestas of Bisagno, Polcevera and Voltri - and the governor/representative of a city or town who should officiate this event.
The Confeugo was celebrated annually until 1499 when it was abolished during the French domination of King Louis XII; restored in 1530, it was again suppressed by the Senate of the Republic of Genoa on December 30, 1637 because, according to the text of the Senate, it caused great confusion and serious expense to the population of the Bisagno valley.
However, the ceremony - later celebrated with minor tones and in a more private form - was performed until December 24, 1796 when the last abbot of San Martino di Struppa, Antonio Bazzorao, gave his gifts and good wishes to doge Giacomo Maria Brignole for the beginning of the year. Historically, it was the last homage to the highest republican office because on 22 May 1797 the new French domination of Napoleon Bonaparte decreed the suppression of the Republic of Genoa and, consequently, the end of the popular manifestation.
Even during the coronavirus pandemic was the Confeugo celebrated in December 2020,[5] although no historical bands and costumes paraded through the streets of downtown Genoa as the few authorities present at the ducal palace had to wear a mask.[6]
