Friday, May 4, 2012

Let the Games Begin...

Il 3 maggio
Assisi

And so it began...the 2012 Calendimaggio in Assisi...amidst fanfare and pageantry, the waving of flags (blue for Sopra and red for Sotto), the shouting, laughter, and excited energy of those in the bleachers. The action takes place in the center of town in the Piazza del Commune; the streets leading to the area are blocked off and only those with tickets are allowed to enter. The festivities opened with the “Esibizione degli Sbandieratori di Assisi”-the performance of the Assisi flag-throwers, followed by the ringing of the City Hall bell to formally announce the start of the festival. The keys of the city are handed over to “Il Maestro di Campo” who, for these three days, reigns supreme...which means that should you have any problems (legal or otherwise), you need to find the man with the beard dressed in a long black robe of centuries past. The historical parades were next (all participants live in or were born in Assisi) with each “Parte” proudly entering - men, women, children, babies held in their mother's arms...medieval times live on once again.



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