Bèn d'i Morti

the tradition of the province of Massa-Carrara

In the province of Massa-Carrara, every years in the day commemorating the dead is celebrated on Bèn d'i Morti. An opportunity to remember the missing persons of whom there are traces from the eighties, though its origins are older.

In this part of the Riviera Apuana, there used to be a time old tradition to prepare chestnut necklaces and apples, known as "clicking through", worn by children who were given away during the day. Over time this custom has been joined by other charitable gestures involving many more people.

During the day of November 2, the relatives of the deceased were required to donate food to needy people both to respect the will of the people who disappeared, and as spontaneous gesture.

In the village of Castelpoggio di Carrara, in the center of the country, which is still open to all lunches are organised.

This tradition very much felt in Tuscany, and in other parts of Italy differs from country to country. Around Carrara, as elsewhere in addition to helping the poorest developed the custom of making gifts to all children. Parents leave their child's room at night of the gifts that were brought by relatives.