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. The 17th century was for Bassano a time of peace and comparative prosperity. Small wonder then that many years ago, when the towns senior citizens met to discuss what period in its history should be represented at an event to be held once a year, it was decided to pick exactly that century. The result is a masterly reproduction of the local markets " and concurrently of peoples habits and fashions " as they were in those days, re-enacted in the month of July. Every detail has been carefully planned and executed in order to give visitors the impression of stepping back into the past: from the participants attire to the layout of their stalls, from the decorations of buildings and streets to specially designed scenes along the way. And the deceptively unsophisticated-looking restaurants do a great job at meeting the demands of the many customers tempted by local delicacies.
Gara dei Giochi di Bandiera (Flag Wavers' Competition) - Piansano Romano. Ever seen a live show of flag wavers dressed in medieval costume drawing fantastic designs in the air, throwing their flags up above them, catching them as they fall back and exchanging them with those of other performers, all this being done to the rolling of drums or the blare of trumpets? If you haven't had an opportunity of watching a similar show, we recommend you take a short trip to Piansano Romano in July. You wont regret it, we promise. This team, like many others, has taken part in many exhibitions and contests with other teams elsewhere in Italy as well as abroad. Among the countries where they have held their performances, we might mention Britain, Germany, France , Spain, Hungary and the United States.
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. 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.
Mercatini del 600 (17th century Markets) - Bassano Romano. The 17th century was for Bassano a time of peace and comparative prosperity. Small wonder then that many years ago, when the towns senior citizens met to discuss what period in its history should be represented at an event to be held once a year, it was decided to pick exactly that century. The result is a masterly reproduction of the local markets " and concurrently of peoples habits and fashions " as they were in those days, re-enacted in the month of July. Every detail has been carefully planned and executed in order to give visitors the impression of stepping back into the past: from the participants attire to the layout of their stalls, from the decorations of buildings and streets to specially designed scenes along the way. And the deceptively unsophisticated-looking restaurants do a great job at meeting the demands of the many customers tempted by local delicacies.
Gara dei Giochi di Bandiera (Flag Wavers' Competition) - Piansano Romano. Ever seen a live show of flag wavers dressed in medieval costume drawing fantastic designs in the air, throwing their flags up above them, catching them as they fall back and exchanging them with those of other performers, all this being done to the rolling of drums or the blare of trumpets? If you haven't had an opportunity of watching a similar show, we recommend you take a short trip to Piansano Romano in July. You wont regret it, we promise. This team, like many others, has taken part in many exhibitions and contests with other teams elsewhere in Italy as well as abroad. Among the countries where they have held their performances, we might mention Britain, Germany, France , Spain, Hungary and the United States.
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. 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.
About the Author:
Cristiano Rubbi - His long dedication to travel in Italy has helped him to acquire a vast experience in arrangingtours for incoming 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.
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