The festival in the village of Villa Franca starts on Friday night and is a grand celebration centered around the church. It ends to a great crescendo at midnight on Wednesday night with an impressive fireworks display. On the hour from around 9 a.m. each day until midnight the church bells ring and fireworks explode. Street vendors sell food and toys for the children and each night there is a band playing in the central square where a small cafe sells ice cream, espresso and adult drinks. The entire village gathers for the celebration. It was a wonderful experience for our family. I am told this tradition dates back to the 1400’s.
