The "Branch Festival" is an ancient tradition in many parts of Central Umbria: at the end of the olives harvest, there was a celebration of the "good end", by throwing impromptu parties in the farmyards of rural farmhouses, where peasants brought small gifts, usually for the  master of the house, to hang on an olive's shoot.

Everyone who took part in the harvest would gather around the decorated branch to dance, sing "stornelli" and taste the simple country foods.

On the 25^th and 26^th November, as every year, Giano dell'Umbria will re-enact the Branch's Festival with a parade through the streets of the medieval village. A cart pulled by oxen will carry the decorated "branch" to the main square of the village, accompanied by olive pickers in traditional clothing, with original tools and by a folklore group performing traditional rural Umbrian songs and dances.

At the end of the parade, the celebration will go on with tastings of the traditional "bruschetta" with new olive oil and other typical local foods, accompanied by the excellent wine from the hills around Giano.

For further information: 

http://www.leviedellolio.eu/