San Biagio and the blessing of the throat and taralli (February 3)

The anniversary of San Biagio, on February 3, is deeply felt in the small center of Controguerra, where, until the beginning of the 19th century, there was also a rural church dedicated to the saint, in the district of the same name. In the past, in honor of the saint of Sebastea, a large fair was held, one of the largest of the year. Today the events are purely religious and an ancient rite still celebrated is the blessing of the throat.
Another historical rite is the blessing of the taralli: on 3 February the village baker brings a basket of taralli to the church where the main function is held, which are blessed by the priest. At the bakery in the village it is possible to buy traditional blessed taralli for the whole week that follows. For the occasion, faithful from nearby villages also come to Controguerra, so strong is the cult of San Biagio in the Vibratiana valley. We note the commitment of the baker Dino Cosenza, who over the years has continued to carry on this ancient tradition, preparing the taralli to be distributed in the church.