Soiano Celebrates with Five Days of Festivities and Traditional Events
Today through Ferragosto, Soiano is celebrating with five days of festivities: the Sports Festival, organized by the Polisportiva, and the San Rocco Festival, organized by the Parish of San Michele.
Both events, sponsored by the Tourism Department, will take place at the sports center on Via Castellana. The program of the 15th Sports Festival will begin this evening at 9 p.m. with the orchestra “Mauro Rizzi”; tomorrow at 9 p.m., ballroom dancing with “Luca, Ivan, and Rudy.” During the break, there will be a funky aerobics session at the wellness center “Self” of Salò.
San Rocco Festival Program
The San Rocco Festival will start on Monday, August 13, at 7:30 p.m. with a meat barbecue with polenta; at 9 p.m., “Not only the ’60s” featuring musician Luca Corsini; and at 10 p.m., the Watermelon Festival.
Tuesday, August 14, at 7:30 p.m., there will be a spit-roasted pig with polenta (reservations appreciated); at 9 p.m., music with “Ivan and Rudy.” From 10 p.m., the Watermelon Festival will continue.
Wednesday, August 15, at 7:30 p.m., another spit-roasted pig with polenta (reservation required); at 9 p.m., dancing again with “Ivan and Rudy.” The Watermelon Festival will also be held later that evening.
Throughout the five evenings, a large gastronomic stand will operate, along with abundant prizes, including “The Wheel of Fortune” and more. For reservations, call 0365-674985 or 674438.
History and Tradition of San Rocco
The San Rocco Festival dates back to ancient times: it is now revived to remember that in the 15th century, a small convent was built on a hillock adjacent to the road that connects the Monastero di Chizzoline area to Padenghe, established by Franciscan friars.
Near the convent, towards the north, a church dedicated to San Rocco was erected, invoked as protector and healer against the plague, the most terrible disease of that period. Many residents of Chizzoline and Soiano attended it, and some families chose it as a burial site.
Today, only traces of the convent and church remain, protected by the Soprintendenza. In the 1950s, the proceeds from the festival were used for the restoration of ecclesiastical works; in recent years, funds have been allocated to the parish oratory of Soiano.