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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. 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. 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. This is one of Italy’s most famous street art displays. It consists of the artistic arrangement of millions of flower petals along the streets of Genazzano, near Rome, in such a way as to create all sorts of delicate designs on a variety of subjects. The whole display, which dates from over a century ago and takes place on the first Sunday in July, is well over half a mile long and demands great ability and dedication on the part of the artists involved, who plan their work well in advance. On Sunday afternoon, a solemn procession will follow the route of the infiorata to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart. The procession too is extremely interesting from an artistic point of view. Over 400 participants are dressed in carefully prepared costumes to represent men, scenes and topics from the Old Testament, the New Testament and the history of the Church. Pharaohs, queens, maids, Jews, high priests, slaves and many other figures parade to portray a living picture of great visual impact.

Sagra dei Bucatini all’Amatriciana (Festival of Bucatini all’Amatriciana) - Nerola. You are no doubt familiar with many types of pasta. Have you ever tasted bucatini, though? This variety is quite common in Central Italy, particularly in the amatriciana version. The sauce is absolutely divine and its ingredients include pancetta, which is similar to bacon. The Festival that takes place at Nerola in late July/early August focuses on this specialty and the result is invariably superb. We suggest that, if you are in the Rome area on the date of the Festival, you visit Nerola and see if you agree with our opinion. If you have tried bucatini all’Amatriciana back home, you will probably notice a considerable difference in taste, which is mostly due to the ability of the housewives who prepare the pasta with their own hands, according to traditional recipes that have been handed down for generations.

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Tags: Italian festivities, Italy, Rome, Rome Travel, Tours in Italy, Travel, Travel Suggestions, Travel Tips

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