Cucibocca Montescaglioso and its Nine Bites Epiphany Cucibocca Montescaglioso is a small village located in the province of Matera, Italy. This village is known for its unique tradition called The Nine Bites Epiphany which involves a group of locals gathering together to eat nine symbolic bites of food. The tradition began over 300 years ago when the village was hit by a severe famine. The locals were starving, and many were on the verge of death. In desperation, they turned to the church for help. The priest at the time, Don Nicola, prayed for a miracle, and soon after, an unexpected shipment of wheat arrived in the village. Don Nicola saw this as a sign of divine intervention and decided to create a tradition to commemorate the miracle. He asked the villagers to come together on the 6th of January, for the feast of the Epiphany, and celebrate with nine symbolic bites of food. These nine bites represent the nine months that Mary carried Jesus and the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. The tradition begins with the blessing of the food by the priest. Locals then gather together in the town square to enjoy the first symbolic bite, which is a piece of bread dipped in olive oil. This bite represents peace and friendship. The second bite is a piece of smoked pork which represents prosperity and abundance. The third bite is a piece of caciocavallo cheese which represents purity and honesty. The fourth bite is a piece of fennel sausage which represents the crown of thorns that Jesus wore during his crucifixion. The fifth bite is a piece of roasted chestnut which represents humility. The sixth bite is a piece of fried cod which represents knowledge and wisdom. The seventh bite is a piece of dried fig, which represents the sweetness of life. The eighth bite is a piece of roasted lamb which represents sacrifice. The final bite is a piece of almond paste which represents the hope of eternal life. Each bite is enjoyed with a small glass of red wine, which represents the blood of Christ. The townspeople enjoy the food and wine while listening to traditional music played on the accordion. The Nine Bites Epiphany in Cucibocca Montescaglioso is more than just a feast; it is a celebration of the local community’s faith, friendship, and hope. The tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, and it remains an integral part of the village’s identity. Visitors from around the world come to experience this unique tradition and learn about the history and culture of the village. The Nine Bites Epiphany in Cucibocca Montescaglioso is a testament to the resilience and faith of the people and the power of tradition to connect us to our past and present. In conclusion, the Nine Bites Epiphany in Cucibocca Montescaglioso is a beautiful example of how a community can come together to celebrate their faith and culture. The tradition is not just about the food, but the symbolism behind each bite, and it is something that the villagers hold dear to their hearts. If you ever find yourself in southern Italy on the feast of the Epiphany, be sure to visit Cucibocca Montescaglioso and experience this beautiful tradition for yourself.