The tradition's origins date back to between 975 and 980, when teams of Saracens who had penetrated the valley to control the alpine passes, were driven away by the local population. The festival commemorates the expulsion of these invaders. The Baìo is composed of four parades, coming from the provincial capital Sampeyre and its three hamlets: Rore, Calchesio, and Villar. Traditionally, only men participated in the parades, while the complicated costumes were woven by the women. The men traditionally interpreted the roles of women: a custom which led to the event being accused of machismo. One of its most important parts is the dance. The Valle Varaita is an important centre for the maintenance and rediscovery of Occitan traditions. They maintained many traditional dances and folklore as well as music. The sounds of violins, accordions, organs, clarinets and hurdy-gurdy are heard during traditional dances such as courento, gigo, courento di custiole, countradanso, tresso, bureo d'San Martin, bureo vieìo, and others.
Script
The events and gatherings of the various parts of the Baìo follow a precise and traditional format. On the second Sunday before Fat Thursday, four processions parade within the villages, except for the inhabitants of Calchesio who go to Sampeyre to meet the cortege of Piasso. The following Sunday the various Baìo start at a time of Sampeyre where the solemn meeting: Abba exchange greetings with swords and parade to the square where four groups form and the participants dance. During the procession, the parade meets barriers of logs that symbolize the obstacles left by the Saracens during their flight. These barricades are torn down by sapeurs using axes. This is followed by dancing and refreshments. On Fat Thursday, the inhabitants, except those in Villar, parade again from Sampeyre and return to their village for the finale of the party. The "process treasurer" tries to escape with cash with the help of a secretary but is apprehended, tried and pardoned by all of Baìo; they are then transported and retried in Villar where they are executed.
Characters
– are the cavalry of villagers, and open the procession of Calchesio and Sampeyre. Tambourn major – leads the procession of Calchesio and Villar, waving a long baton in time to music. Arlequin – is the "Marshal" of the Baìo, who must frighten people to prevent the march. Sarazine – girls waving a white handkerchief as a signal code for the army of liberation, played by very young children. Segnourine – dressed in white to symbolize the end of slavery by Saracens, are played by boys between the ages of 10 and 16 years. Tambourin – A small group who announce the parade with timballos and Tambourines who also mark the pace of travel. Sapeur – armed with axes, remove the barriers of logs left by fleeing Saracens. Grec – in the parades of Rore, and Calchesio Sampeyre; are young people from 17 to 30 years portraying the Greek prisoners who were freed by the villagers. Escarlinìe – the infantry of villagers, who are armed with clubs decorated with ivy, colored ribbons and bells. Espous – pairs of young married couples, who are confined to one for the procession of Rore. Segnouri – the wealthy who can now live freely without fear of looting by Saracens, the parades of Rore, Sampeyre and Villar. Sounadour – the parade of musicians who play for dancing, occasionally for more than twenty-four hours without interruption. Uzuart – guards accompanying the Alum, armed with swords or rifles. Granatìe – accompany the Tezourìe and executioner - only Villar. Morou – travel by mule as the prisoners are freed from the Saracens. Turc – Saracens taken prisoner, chained, traveling on foot and are only Sampeyre. Viéi and Viéio – characters who close the parade in a ridiculous manner, wheezing and pretending to be unable to keep pace. They are dressed in rags and carry a basket containing a child and a fiascone of wine. Cantinìe – run up and down the parade serving drinks.
Alum and Abà
The Alum represent the “military” of the Baìo and are elected every five years. Each time a Baìo ends, new Alum are elected. The two new Alum start with the rank of 'Tenent' Sampeyre, Calchesio and Villar, while Rore is called 'Soutportobandiero'. Within ten years, the two Alum of Rore become 'Portobandiero' and finally Abà, the army commanders and organizers of the festival. After being Abà, the two become 'Secretaries' and 'Tezourìe'. Once they have finished their careers, they are free to take on another role or start a new career.
