Among the villages of the Upper Aterno Valley, where devotion to Saint Anthony Abbot unfolds through heartfelt and varied ritual, culinary and musical expressions, Marruci di Pizzoli (AQ) stands as an emblem of the strong commitment of the Laga communities to organising elaborate celebrations, of the richness and complexity of festive programmes, and of the deep emotional attachment to this agro-pastoral tradition. For three days, the inhabitants of this small hamlet gather from early morning until late at night, collectively devoting themselves to numerous religious and recreational activities: masses and processions in honour of the Egyptian saint; the blessing of animals; the lighting of a large bonfire; the egg-throwing game, symbolising the regeneration of the soil and the human drive for survival; briscola card game tournaments; concerts and dance evenings; fireworks; and above all the much-awaited Zampetti Auction. The heart of the celebration is a modest church located at the entrance of the transhumance track, followed by the flocks on their way towards the Capannelle plateau, among the immovable rocks that have presided over the ritual for centuries. Amid the austere mountains, this lavish expenditure of energy and resources finds its meaning in seeking the favour of the divinity who heals winter ailments, protects valuable livestock and, through his fiery and subterranean attributes, keeps demonic forces at bay. Animals—sheep, pigs and horses in particular—are omnipresent throughout the feast. The Zampetti Auction demonstrates the importance they hold for the people of Marruci. Family groups take part with generous bids in an auction divided into three sessions: first food products such as bread, cheeses, cured meats and wine; then the zampetti (pig’s trotters), set aside during domestic pig slaughtering; and finally the live animals that will be raised during the coming year—lambs and piglets offered by Marruci’s livestock farms. Young people sit on a cart filled with straw, collecting money to win products that they will later consume together. On a nearby hill, the most experienced elderly breeders wait for the final phase of the auction to place bids far exceeding the animals’ economic value. They do so out of devotion, perpetuating an annual tradition that brings the entire community together and strengthens collective identity. The auctioneer, Settimio, knows them all personally and understands precisely what to appeal to encourage them to bid.