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. Summertime in Italy spells night and day festivities and celebrations. Because the days are usually so warm, people normally tend to go out at night. So, quite a number of events take place in the evening. This is just what happens at Vignanello, a town located fairly close to Rome. On the third week of July a medieval dinner is held in town to enable guests to taste dishes prepared in accordance with old recipes of local cuisine. The setting definitely harks back to the Middle Ages and the sensation of having for a moment reverted to an ancient past is enhanced by a historical procession, where the participants wear period costumes. As a final touch, flag-wavers provide a splendid exhibition in which folklore and ability are equally matched.
Infiorata (Flower Petal Art Display) - Genazzano. Flowers have always been regarded as a beautiful ornament of houses and gardens, but if you wish to see a display of flower petal art over half a mile long, forming a variety of designs made directly on the streets, you must go to Genazzano, a town in the Rome area, on the first Sunday in July. This special event draws large crowds of visitors because of the patient and precise work involved and its extraordinary results. An unbroken stream of colourful patterns winds through the streets of the town delivering a message of peace, beauty and love of nature that is truly touching in its simplicity and yet admirable in its perfection. In the afternoon the Procession of the Sacred Heart, which includes 400 participants dressed in period costumes, passes over the flowers decorating the streets as a sign of devotion.
Sagra dei Bucatini all'Amatriciana (Festival of Bucatini all'Amatriciana) - Nerola. When it comes to regional cuisine, it is safe to say that Italy is second to no other country. You can easily check this if you are in Italy by simply walking into a restaurant or a trattoria. Just ask the waiter for advice and you wont regret it. However, if you are in Rome and wish to try a regional specialty served in a festive atmosphere typical of small Italian towns, you should go to Nerola, where at the above Festival held on a midsummer evening you would have an opportunity to enjoy as a main course the famous type of pasta called bucatini seasoned with a sauce containing also pancetta (a type of bacon). The meal features also bruschetta (toasted bread seasoned with olive oil, salt and garlic) as a starter, while small skewered pieces of chicken and pork follow the main course. Sweets and other delicacies are also be available for gourmets delight. - 29954
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. Summertime in Italy spells night and day festivities and celebrations. Because the days are usually so warm, people normally tend to go out at night. So, quite a number of events take place in the evening. This is just what happens at Vignanello, a town located fairly close to Rome. On the third week of July a medieval dinner is held in town to enable guests to taste dishes prepared in accordance with old recipes of local cuisine. The setting definitely harks back to the Middle Ages and the sensation of having for a moment reverted to an ancient past is enhanced by a historical procession, where the participants wear period costumes. As a final touch, flag-wavers provide a splendid exhibition in which folklore and ability are equally matched.
Infiorata (Flower Petal Art Display) - Genazzano. Flowers have always been regarded as a beautiful ornament of houses and gardens, but if you wish to see a display of flower petal art over half a mile long, forming a variety of designs made directly on the streets, you must go to Genazzano, a town in the Rome area, on the first Sunday in July. This special event draws large crowds of visitors because of the patient and precise work involved and its extraordinary results. An unbroken stream of colourful patterns winds through the streets of the town delivering a message of peace, beauty and love of nature that is truly touching in its simplicity and yet admirable in its perfection. In the afternoon the Procession of the Sacred Heart, which includes 400 participants dressed in period costumes, passes over the flowers decorating the streets as a sign of devotion.
Sagra dei Bucatini all'Amatriciana (Festival of Bucatini all'Amatriciana) - Nerola. When it comes to regional cuisine, it is safe to say that Italy is second to no other country. You can easily check this if you are in Italy by simply walking into a restaurant or a trattoria. Just ask the waiter for advice and you wont regret it. However, if you are in Rome and wish to try a regional specialty served in a festive atmosphere typical of small Italian towns, you should go to Nerola, where at the above Festival held on a midsummer evening you would have an opportunity to enjoy as a main course the famous type of pasta called bucatini seasoned with a sauce containing also pancetta (a type of bacon). The meal features also bruschetta (toasted bread seasoned with olive oil, salt and garlic) as a starter, while small skewered pieces of chicken and pork follow the main course. Sweets and other delicacies are also be available for gourmets delight. - 29954
About the Author:
Cristiano Rubbi - The many years dedicated to assisting travellers to Italy has helped him to acquire an extensive experience in arrangingtours for visitors to this country. To see some of his suggestions go to his WEBSITE, visit his FORUM or just send an email to: info@niceandeasytravel.it.
