Tuesday 24 June 2008

MEDIEVAL SOCCER MATCH IN FLORENCE - 24TH OF JUNE




In order to celebrate the city's patron saint John the Baptist,on June 24th of June in Florence, there will be a parade in historical costume from the Church of Santa Maria Novella up to the Church of Santa Croce, where the "Calcio Storico" is then played in the dirt-covered square in front of the church.
The match is a combination of soccer, rugby, and big time wrestling, all played while wearing 16th century costumes.


The teams are the four traditional neighborhoods of the city: Santa Croce (blue), Santo Spirito (white), Santa Maria Novella (red), and San Giovanni (green).
The prize is a whole Chianina calf.

Fabulous fireworks will be played 4 this occasion.

For more info, please contact me!

Sunday 15 June 2008

GIOSTRA DEL SARACINO - AREZZO - 15TH OF JUNE


Arezzo's Piazza Grande is the setting of the Giostra del Saracino, or Saracen Tournament.

Held twice a year, a night version on the third Saturday in June and the second on the first Sunday in September, this tournament has its origins in the early 16th century and in its present form, commemorates Christian efforts to hold back the tide of Islam in the 14th century.

There is a lively and colorful procession preceding the event in which eight costumed knights charge towards a wooden representation of the Saracen, aiming to hit the Saracen's shield with lances.

The target is mounted as to swivel around and can actually hit back! Each pair of knights represents one of Arezzo's four rival districts and their supporters each occupy a side of the piazza. The winner receives a golden lance.

4 more info please contact me!



Saturday 14 June 2008

QUINTANA HISTORICAL MATCH - FOLIGNO THE 14TH OF JUNE


Foligno, the city that calls itself lu centru de lu munnu, the “centre of the world”, is indeed best known for its Quintana joust in June and September, during which knights from its ten districts compete for the coveted Palio. Each rider must charge his horse and attempt to send his lance through the progressively smaller rings that are attached to the “Quintana” wooden statue.

But the Quintana is more than just a joust, it is a colourful event that involves all of Foligno’s inhabitants and a celebration of the history, customs and even food of the lavish baroque era when the town was at the peak of its wealth. Throughout the event the city’s museums, magnificent palazzi and churches will be open to the public.

Programme:
Monday June 2nd, 8.30pm: Great Banquet in the courtyard of Palazzo Trinci
Friday June 13th, 9pm: procession in period costume
Saturday June 14th, 9pm: Joust at the “Campo de li Giochi”


http://www.quintana.it.