I’ll say it again and again….google “Festivals in Tuscany” or wherever else you are traveling in Italy and plan your trip accordingly. The festivals (food, flowers, men in tights) really put you in the vacation mood and throw you back in time. We have been to several and will continue to make a habit of being avid festival attendees.
One such festival, Castelion Fiorentino, located atop ancient castle ruins in the Arezzo area right outside Cortona, welcomed us on a warm June evening.
Arriving a bit early, we walked around the lovely Piazza de Municipio, the courtyard area located at the bottom of the Castle Rocca del Cassero. The views from here were spectacular but the smells wafting from above held our attention. We then followed the flags and the people up several flights of stairs to the top of the castle which opened into a huge green space. The castle has the original defensive tower located at the highest point and now used as a belfry for the church. The greenspace was surrounded by a huge wall that looked out over Arezzo towns and villages.
The area was filling up quickly with costumed townsfolks arriving to enjoy the many food tents that included huge turkey legs, braised meats, quail, huge hunks of bread, zuppa (soups), and cheap red vino served in ceramic mugs. The dessert tent was so full you couldn’t get near it-people where coming out of there with pastries, powdered sugared puffs of delight, puddings, and full pies! We joined others at long family style picnic tables, eating and watching people of all ages enjoying the meal.
In several areas muscians, bands, jugglers, comedy acts were performing. As we walked along the wall we found another larger arena area filled with stunning medieval costumed horseback riders. They were parading on their equaly amazing horses. Around the arena were several dozen craft booths featuring everything from leather items, clothes, jewelry, baskets, brooks, ceramics, and weapons. We bought necklaces, a leather pouch for treasures, and more sugar treats.
We then folloowed the crowd as they made their way to the stands to watch the happening in the arena…and what a show!!! The comedy troupe did old school vauldville tricks, even a lady with a snake! eekk. Then the most beautiful men competed in a ring jousting competition. We then watched as several of the costumed performers did stunning horse tricks and acrobatics via horseback, juggeling fire and more. The night ended with fireworks over the tower.
We were tired-it was midnight at least-but it is so nice to be apart of the traditions of these small towns and to support the vendors, bringing back odds and ends that we will treasure forever.
You can find out more on the website at www.gruppocassero.it
We stayed at a little B and B a few miles from the town, making it a really fun night out!
Take time to do a little research before your trip to find a medieval festival or something that appeals to you-you really get a nice break from all the touristy stops and get to hang out with the locals…after all ..isn’t that really why we go?
Piazza de Municipio is huge..and the views are amazing.
The view from the wall….
Overlooking the other side….
Follow the flags and start climbing the stairs.
Starting the set up for dinner…the grill smells where intense!
Although much of the castle is ruins, the tower still stands strong.
Isn’t she beautiful?
This older Italian was a real crowd pleaser but he lost to the young gun!
The jousting winner was young and lovely-but he too fast-I only got his cape!
This trick rider was the show stopper!
Amazing memories.
