In early May, four days of medieval majesty in Assisi start with a blessing. The blessing of the banners of La Nobilissima Parte de Sopra (“the Most Noble Part of Upper”) take place in the Cathedral of San Rufino, focal point of “upper Assisi.” “Upper Assisi” (Sopra) is that area on the western end of town between the main square, Piazza del Comune and the Cathedral.
Blue is the color of the banner of Sopra and red, that of la Magnifica Parte de Sotto and “the Magnificent Part of Lower” takes in the area on the eastern end of town, i.e., from Piazza del Comune down to the Basilica di San Francesco (where Sotto‘s banners are blessed).
The excitement and paassione of the locals – from young to old – was palpable as all gathered in medieval dress in front of the Cathedral of San Rufino on the first afternoon of festivities
All would walk solemnly in procession into the Cathedral for the blessing of the banners of la Nobilissima Parte de Sopra.
The beating of drums – with grandissima passione – would announce the start of events.
Standard-bearers of the banners of Sopra would follow those drummers into the Cathedral …and gathered near the drummers, united in anticipation:
The cathedral soon filled with assisani de sopra, drums placed at the entrance, for the drummers had led the procession into the church and would lead all out after the blessings of the banners.
The crossbowers of Sopra would compete during the festival and entered soon…to enthusiastic applause:
Feel the anticipation, the ermotion – the pride – of the locals of all ages on the first of four days of medieval majesty:
The blue banner of la Nobilissima Parte de Sopra was spread out just in front of the altar flanked by the flags of the 3 districts (terzieri) of Sopra,
Near the flags on the lower right, partaioli (that is, members of la Parte) had placed personal objects there to be blessed – an auspicious gesture for buona fortuna. A young boy in jeans was placing an object as I took this photo:
The blessings of the banners soon took place…
….followed by wishes for a successful Calendimaggio from the Priore Maggiore of la Nobilisisma Parte de Sopra
Near the altar, the enthusiastic applause of Sopra’s partaioli filled the cathedral.
Viva Sopra!
Read here about Cslendimaggio passione.
Feel that passione in this video.
…and many more videos on my YouTube page: simply SEARCH Calendimaggio here.
