Torcia vs. fiaccola
Both torcia and fiaccola refer to handheld lighting devices with flames, but they have distinct uses and connotations in Italian.
Torcia
A2Torcia typically refers to a modern, portable light source, often battery-powered, but can also mean a traditional flame torch.
Ho usato la torcia del cellulare per trovare le chiavi al buio.
(I used the phone's flashlight to find the keys in the dark.)
Il guardiano notturno portava una torcia per illuminare il percorso.
(The night watchman carried a torch to light the path.)
Fiaccola
B1Fiaccola specifically refers to a traditional flame torch, often associated with ceremonies, sports events, or symbolic uses.
L'atleta portava la fiaccola olimpica durante la cerimonia di apertura.
(The athlete carried the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony.)
I manifestanti marciavano con le fiaccole per le strade della città.
(The protesters marched with torches through the city streets.)
Summary
While torcia can refer to both modern flashlights and traditional flame torches, fiaccola is specifically used for ceremonial or symbolic flame torches. Torcia is more common in everyday contexts, whereas fiaccola is often associated with formal or historical settings.