Rievocazioni
Storiche
The historical commemorations
The
people of Le Marche have always shared a love for their history and
traditions and over time this passion has inspired them to rediscover
traditional festivals and events of the past such as ancient games and
minor battles between countrymen. In this way, they have created an
accurate and real portrayal of historical commemorations through jousts,
parades, banquets, animations of hundreds of figures, and acrobats which,
besides enriching the artistic-cultural resources, promote a renewed
feeling of belonging in the citizens, with all being involved in the
preparations and development of these moving events.
An
example of such commemorations can be found in Piandimeleto in Pesaro
where the ‘Palio dei Conti
Oliva’ (Olive Counting Race) is held in commemoration of the
medieval celebrations prepared for the cavalry on their return from
courageous battles. In Urbino la ‘Festa
del Duca’ (The Duke’s Festival) looks back at the splendours of
the seigneury of Montefeltro. Every year since 1996, Fermignano
has hosted the most curious ‘Palio della rana’ (The Frog Race) which sees frogs in wheelbarrows, acting as the protagonists in a
challenge between the citizen quarters. In Cagli, the historical centre
is transformed into an enormous ‘Giuoco
dell’Oca’ (Goose Game), as
practised in 1543, during Serra Sant’Abbondio’s ‘Paio della Rocca’ (The
Pair of the Fortress) the birds are directly involved and actually join
in the lively geese race. Of great importance is Mondavio’s ‘Caccia al Cinghiale’ (Boar Hunt) which was inspired by the
arrival in town of Giovanni of Rovere. It’s held yearly between the
13th and 15th August and takes the village a step back in time in its
recreation of a beautiful Renaissance atmosphere.
Ancient
traditions and events are also relived in the province of Ancona. In Corinaldo,
the ‘Contesa del Pozzo della
Polenta’ (The Well of Polenta Contest) takes place and in Jesi the ‘Palio di San Floriano’ (The Prize of Saint Floriano) renews a
tradition dating back to 1227. In Offagna the Medieval Festivals
propose the ‘Contesa della
Crescia’ (Crescia Contest), where the four districts of the
village challenge each other in arms. During Fabriano’s ‘Palio
di San Giovanni Battista’ (The Prize of Saint John the Baptist)
the historical centre returns to the atmosphere of 1300, whilst in Filottrano,
the ‘Contesa dello Stivale’,
(The Boot Contest) recalls the occurrences of the second half of the 15th
century.
The
medieval commemorations are also very much a part life in the
Macerata province, for example the ‘Palio
dei Terzieri’ (The Tertiary Prize) held in Montecassiano,
and the ancient ‘Disfida
del Bracciale’ (Bracelet Duel) of Treia. In addition,
festivals include the ‘Palio dei Castelli’ (Prize of the Castles) in San Severino Marche,
the ‘Corsa alla Spada’
(The Sword Race) in Camerino, the ‘Giostra
de le Castella’ (The
Castle Joust) in Caldarola, the Contesa
della Margutta (The Margutta Contest) in Corridonia and the
‘Palio of San Ginesio’ (The Prize of Saint Ginesio) in Mogliano.
Cingoli and Tolentino commemorate more recent historical
deeds: Cingoli relives the splendours of the 18th century
when the town offered hospitality to the Austrian troops on their way to
Naples. Also in Cingoli, in true keeping with the perfect nineteenth
century style, the town carries out the game of ‘pallone
a bracciale’ (arm ball), whilst Tolentino recalls the Battle
namesake, dating back to 1815 which took place between the King of
Naples’ army and the Austrian troops.
In
the Ascoli province, the streets of Fermo challenge each other in the
‘Cavalcata dell’Assunta’
(Ride of the Proposition) which dates back to 1182 and everybody comes
out to compete in Sant’Elpidio a Mare’s
late medieval ‘Contesa
del Secchio’ (Bucket Race). The ‘Torneo
Cavalleresco Castel Clementino’ (Castle Clementine Chivalrous
Tournament) of Servigliano celebrates the expansion of the
communal ground which occurred in 1450, whilst in Monterubbiano
‘l’Armata di Pentecoste Sciò la Pica’ (The Pentecost Fleet) puts
together religious traditions to rediscover the past Renaissance.
Finally in Acquaviva Picena, the ‘Sponsalia’
recalls the illustrious marriage between Forasteria dei Duchi of
Acquaviva and Rainaldo of Brunforte, which took place in 1234. Finally
the splendid Piazza del Popolo of Ascoli Piceno hosts parades
commemorating the historical Quintana.
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Liberation Ventures Ltd.