Saint Flames! Between Rituals, Urban Safety, Roots Tourism and Heritage Regulation

The Italian Case

Abstract

Rituals involving fire represent a widespread form of intangible cultural heritage across Europe, combining religious symbolism, collective identity and seasonal celebration. However, these practices increasingly face regulatory challenges related to public safety, environmental protection, and urban management. This study examines the governance of ritual fire traditions through the case of Foggia (Italy), where municipal authorities recently prohibited traditional bonfires associated with the celebration of the Immaculate Conception despite a regional framework in Apulia that formally recognizes ritual fires as elements of intangible cultural heritage and integrated into cultural and tourism strategies. The paper aims to explore how heritage preservation, risk management, and tourism development can be reconciled within contemporary governance frameworks. Using a qualitative policy analysis, the study examines institutional documents, regulatory measures, and tourism evidence, complemented by a comparative review of selected European fire festivals. Particular attention is devoted to the relationship between ritual traditions and roots tourism, which increasingly values authentic local traditions and community-based cultural experiences. The findings suggest that prohibition represents only one possible governance response and that more balanced approaches based on heritage recognition, stakeholder coordination, and structured safety management can better preserve cultural practices while mitigating risks. The analysis also highlights the potential contribution of ritual traditions to local development and destination attractiveness, particularly in areas seeking to strengthen cultural and roots tourism. The paper concludes by proposing a practical governance framework that integrates cultural heritage protection, public safety, and sustainable tourism objectives.