Sfida dei Borghi (Challenge of the Wards) - Monte Compatri. Imagine a medieval-style archery contest, people dressed in period costume surrounding the contest area and an attentive crowd following every shot of the competitors. This is what you will see if you go to Monte Compatri, a small town in the vicinity of Rome, in the middle of August. The interest of the townsfolk is particularly keen because each archer represents one of the towns 5 wards and a victory will enhance the "status" of a ward for the coming year. Before the actual contest starts, a long, sumptuously dressed procession easily wins the spectators admiration, thanks to the beautiful costumes worn by its 300 participants, who parade through the local streets packed with enthusiastic crowds. Street artists and other performers complete a truly interesting programme that is always enjoyed by the local population as much as by visiting tourists.
Mercatini del 600 (17th century Markets) - Bassano Romano. This is a town in the vicinity of Rome that, though already existing in Etruscan (i.e. pre-Roman) times, actually grew to become a sizable town in the Middle Ages and had its heyday in the 17th century. The event we are referring to is organized early in the month of July to recreate the atmosphere typical of a 17th century market day in Bassano. The whole town turns into an open-air museum, as a result of accurate scenic effects that are intended to reproduce the daily life and activities of the local people at the time. A number of people wear period costumes, while standards, banners, torches, flowers and a host of other decorations help to complete a lovely setting that has been drawing ever increasing crowds of visitors, particularly among those who are interested in history from the late Middle Ages onwards.
Gara dei Giochi di Bandiera (Flag Wavers' Competition) - Piansano Romano. Is flag-waving just a simple game? The answer is, it all depends on how its done. If you go to Piansano Romano in the month of July, you might be surprised to see what an expert flag-waver can do. The flag almost seems to come alive in his hands, as he throws it around, up and down and passes it to other members of the team. Just imagine the glorious colours of many flags moving at the same time, often in opposite directions. Its really a stunning spectacle, which is all the more picturesque because it is carried out in medieval costume. Of course, the local team must compete with out-of-town teams and these are strong competitors to be reckoned with. The teams use all their skills and stamina to carry the day and the public shouts their support of the respective teams. There is no way a visitor could walk away unimpressed.
Cena Medievale (Medieval Dinner) - Vignanello. How can a small town in the vicinity of Rome be of interest to anyone travelling to this area on the third week of July? Well, if you are interested in seeing a medieval setting and at the same time having a hearty dinner, with a menu that is taken directly from ancient recipes, Vignanello is the place you want. Aside from the excellent quality of the food and drink (the wine is the very best of local production), the evening is characterized by a friendly and uninhibited atmosphere that immediately makes all guests feel perfectly at home. And thats not all. A historical procession takes place for the occasion, while flag-wavers give ample proof of their ability in various exhibitions.
Infiorata (Flower Petal Art Display) - Genazzano. Ever seen a display of flower petal art half a mile long, decking city streets with lovely designs made overnight by expert hands? If not, may we suggest that you visit the town of Genazzano, near Rome, where on the first Sunday in July amateur and professional art designers give free vent to their imagination to create a floral petal display that decorates the streets where a procession is going to take place in the afternoon. Their work, which begins late on Saturday to end early on Sunday morning, requires great skill and concentration and is so interesting to watch that during the night a number of people walk by simply to take a look at what they are doing. The figures they form represent any subject they wish to deal with: from religious matters to social or cultural topics, which makes the infiorata an artistic work of particular significance.
Sagra dei Bucatini all'Amatriciana (Festival of Bucatini all'Amatriciana) - Nerola. You are no doubt familiar with many types of pasta. Have you ever tasted bucatini, though? This variety is quite common in Central Italy, particularly in the amatriciana version. The sauce is absolutely divine and its ingredients include pancetta, which is similar to bacon. The Festival that takes place at Nerola in late July/early August focuses on this specialty and the result is invariably superb. We suggest that, if you are in the Rome area on the date of the Festival, you visit Nerola and see if you agree with our opinion. If you have tried bucatini all'Amatriciana back home, you will probably notice a considerable difference in taste, which is mostly due to the ability of the housewives who prepare the pasta with their own hands, according to traditional recipes that have been handed down for generations.
Cristiano Rubbi - His long dedication to travel in Italy has helped him to acquire an extensive experience in arrangingtours for incoming visitors to Italy. To see some of his suggestions go to his WEBSITE, visit his FORUM or just send an email to: info@niceandeasytravel.it.
No related posts.
Comments on this entry are closed.