Passing through the streets of Stresa today will be Joseph, Mary, lots of little angels, chimney sweeps, shepherds, and pipers, and of course, the three Wise Men, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar. It's time for the annual procession of the Re Magi, which takes place in Stresa each Epifania. The chimney sweeps might not be expected in most processions of the wise men but they hold a special place in the hearts of the people around here. A century ago, many men from the Valle Vigezzo to the north made their living as chimney sweeps; there is even a museum dedicated to the work, and therefore they have an important place in this particular pageant. The procession will begin, as it has for years, at the Palazzo dei Congressi, at 2.30 in the afternoon. After a course through the streets of central Stresa they will arrive at the Villa Ducale, where in the park a manger has been set up. A narrative will be broadcast to accompany the procession on its journey, as they visit the old fashioned shops that have been stationed around the center of town, before they arrive at the manger. And at 3.30 the kings will leave the manger and arrive at the palace of King Herod, which is, conveniently, located also in the gardens of Villa Ducale.
This has been the tradition for many years now in Stresa, on every festa dell'Epifania. And to keep the crowds warm on what looks like it will be a very cold day there will be hot beverages set up along the route, and in Piazza Cadorna, beginning at noon, you can feast on polenta with cinghiale (wild boar), gorgonzola, tripe and grilled sausages (salamelle), as well as tortelli and egg-fried apples.
The procession of the kings is organized by the Pro Loco di Stresa tourist association and the City of Stresa, and would not be possible without the collaboration of citizens associations and the approximately 50 participants.
