In Baiano, in Irpinia, Christmas comes with an ancient rite dedicated to the patron Saint Stephen. At dawn on 25 December the men of the village climb into the Arciano woods to choose and fell the tallest, straightest tree: the Maio. The trunk, marked with the red of the martyr saint, is carried into town with songs, music and blank shots from old muskets.
In front of the church of Santo Stefano the Maio is blessed and raised by hand with ropes. On Christmas afternoon the great focarone bonfire is lit, with singing and dancing around it; on 26 December the patron's procession closes the feast. Preparations start as early as Saint Lucy's Day, with dawn masses.
The dates are fixed, but the 2026 programme has not been published yet. We suggest being there on Christmas morning to see the Maio arrive in town.