There’s a single religious moment in Assisi’s four-day medieval celebration of spring, rooted in pagan rituals: the blessing of the banners of the town’s two rival factions, la Parte de Sopra (“Upper Assisi”) and la Parte de Sotto (“Lower Assisi”).
All the partaioli of Lower Assisi, gathered at the Basilica of San Francesco for the blessings while the Parte de Sopra contingent united in front of the Cathedral of San Rufino, focal point of “our side.” Si! (Our three children participated with full passione in Calendimaggio as little ones, dressed in medieval garb, cheering their hearts out for “Sopra”).
Basilica di San Francesco
Cathedral of San Rufino
Proud father and daughter in front of San Rufino
Lady Spring candidates in front of San Rufino
That same passione was palpable yesterday as Sopra’s drummers beat out Calendimaggio emotions and our crossbowers grouped to file into the Cathedral. Lords took the hands of ladies, young dame in rich velvet blue costumes joined the parade of medieval personages, the sculpted doorway of our 12th-c cathedral, an elegant backdrop.
An elderly nobleman before San Rufino
William, an Assisi crossbower – of Sopra!
The banners of Sopra
Sopra’s drum corps
When the great central doors opened, nobility filed into our 12th-century church, heads held high. Even the small children in medieval dress emanated solemnity.
All solemn during the blessing
Nobility parade into the Cathedral
Our five candidates for Madonna Primavera (“Lady Spring”) were there in the apse area, too, close to the three banners laid out in front of the altar.
Lady Spring candidates in the apse area of the Cathedral
The priest flung holy water on the banners, blessing them – and then announced the official start of Calendimaggio, wishing la Parte de Sopra serenity during the festivities…and una bella vittoria.
The applause seemed to lift the cathedral’s vaulted ceiling.
Applause all around at the blesssing time
The priest blesses the three banners of Upper Assisi
Emotion at the time of blessings
Applause raises the rooftops
Viva Sopra!
Read – and see! – euphoric medieval passione in Assisi during Calendimaggio
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Great pictures. It’s a glorious event
Anne, I would love to know something of the costume construction. Are they made by the participants, passed on from year to year, commercially made? Thanks for this great coverage. It was a privilege to be in Assisi at this time. The Sopra drum corps is phenomenal!
So much fun! The costumes are so great, as is the spirit of Assisi during Calendimaggio!
Janet, some people own their costumes..others rent..others have them made according to norms for clothing in the Middle Ages
Kathy, glad to share with you the passion!
Janet..some own costumes, others rent, other have them made according to medieval norms
Kelseys, glad to share the passion with you all
Judi, so glad you were in our Assisi apt for ALL the festival..you and Glenn are now “Assisani” !!! ;