For some represents the ugly season. For some others it' s the symbol of the cold winter going away. Or maybe she is a lady who betrayed her town. Or a which, or simply something so bad and negative that has to be cancelled through fire. What the Giubiana really is... Well, it's difficult to explain. Legends and traditions mix together and disappear in a distant past. In any case, she personifies the evils of the previous year and  her death by fire represents a hopeful wish for the new year to come.

The fire illuminates many squares of como sorroundings in the last days of january. The burning of the Giubiana, with the puppet hanging on top of a pole which is stacked belove the traditional "pile" it' s maybe cruel but a genuine show.

In Cantù town this is an expected event, we suggestion to come earlier on time to see the flames enveloping the which. On Jan 28th, in the main square, while tasting rice and "luganiga" (a kind of traditional sausage) and a good glass of vin brulè (mulled wine), hundred of people all together are waiting for the traditional fire. If the Giubiana "well burns", everybody will be happy, as it will be a good omen for the year. The night end up with fireworks, music, a toast to arriving spring. Of course there are sweets stalls and parades in historic costumes to make suggestive choreography.

Every village has its on ritual, the most theatrical performances are in the towns of Albavilla, Canzo and Cantù.

Thursday Jan 28th: Cantù, Piazza Garibaldi; Canzo, center town; Albavilla (fire organizad by the folk group “Paisan”);

Sat Jan 30th: Guanzate, at 9.00 p.m., Bregnano (from 7p.m.). Cadorago from 8.30p.m..

Sun Jan 31st: Albese con Cassano, Grande Risottaia della Giubiana (Giubiana Rice Day)