We returned to Pietrasanta on the weekend to enjoy the medieval festival that takes over the lovely piazza in front of the churches.
Many shops decorated their windows to enhance the theme of the festival.
Of course there were some stalls selling interesting things.
Above the piazza there was an area where we found archery, falcons and an owl (don’t ask me why there was an owl).
Here some of the participants feasted before the later performances.
We came upon an archery lesson.
There are always interesting faces in the crowd.
The first to entertain us was a troop of dancers.
The Tamburini followed.
Then the sbandieratori.
We couldn’t see well so we manoeuvred a better position on the steps. (Where we had set ourselves up, but had been moved on. Foolishly we moved only to have others dive into our spots)
A display of fighting was next.
…then some more with sticks.
The group left the piazza and the sbandieratori came back.
There is nothing I like better than a bit of flag throwing. These men are amazing. A flag is dropped onto an ankle, flicked to the foot in front and tossed into the air and the throwing begins.
All the players left the piazza and a group of musicians took over.
We wandered off to enjoy some porchetta before a last look at the piazza.
Pietrasanta is truly one of my favourite towns in Italy.
Thanks, Debra. I really loved the pictures. It was almost like being there! Sondra
By: Sondra on October 8, 2018
at 8:10 pm
It was a fun day.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 8, 2018
at 8:31 pm
I truly love the pageantry of these festivals… Such history, culture and passion for both. Thanks for sharing the spectacle!!! Jxx
By: Jan Williams on October 8, 2018
at 8:25 pm
I love these festivals, especially the flag throwing.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 8, 2018
at 8:32 pm
Nothing more spectacular than a bit of flag throwing – love it
By: Elizabeth Litzow on October 8, 2018
at 9:53 pm
I love it too.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2018
at 1:27 pm
Debra – You have outdone your usual splended photographs here. What a
theatrical experience. I particularly love the minstrel with his mobile phone. Keep them coming.
By: Kevin Palmer on October 8, 2018
at 9:57 pm
That was my favourite photo.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2018
at 1:28 pm
Wonderful photos! I remember watching a medieval festival this summer in Germany. It was quite an event!
By: thirdeyemom on October 8, 2018
at 10:22 pm
I like the enthusiasm of these events.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2018
at 1:28 pm
Fabulous! I love the photo with the mobile phone and i really think i quite like a man in tights:)
By: Jan on October 9, 2018
at 9:54 am
Men in tights have their charms.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2018
at 1:29 pm
Those Medieval and Renaissance festivals are wonderful and Italians are great at organizing them. Beautiful photos, Debra!
By: Mulino Dominillo on October 9, 2018
at 3:36 pm
What fun!
By: chef mimi on October 10, 2018
at 4:31 pm
Ooh this looks like fun! I love getting dressed up. Love the owl too-what a touch!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on October 11, 2018
at 10:57 pm