Calendimaggio is back in Umbria, Assisi to be exact, the celebration that takes place every year on the first Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday after May 1st, to ring in spring, 2023 edition from May 3rd till May 6th.
The Calendimaggio celebration – from “cantar maggio (song of May)” – has an ancient tradition that continues today, not only in Umbria, but also in many other regions of Italy.
The historical celebration began with ancient populations whose lives were strictly connected to nature’s rhythms: these include the Celts, Etruscans, Ligures and also the Ancient Umbrians, who considered the return of the warm season as a crucial period and a true rebirth.
There are numerous contemporary celebrations of this event, and the one held in Assisi is undoubtedly one of the most important and popular. In addition to the ancient rituals, it is inspired by the medieval tradition of the “songs of May“: poetry, dancing and singing performed by the youth of the town’s various districts.
The celebration in Assisi also recalls the feuds – which date back to the medieval times and are very common in the city as well as the entire peninsula – between Guelfi and Ghibellini.
Calendimaggio in Assisi
The celebration consists in the duel between the two factions that the city is divided into: Nobilissima Parte de Sopra (the very noble upper part of town) and Magnifica Parte de Sotto (the magnificent lower part of town) who organise parades in costume, they recite scenes of medieval life and perform songs and dances. The aim is to win the Palio and the winning district is announced by a jury of historians, musicians and personalities from the entertainment world.
Calendimaggio 2023 Edition
The 2023 edition of Calendimaggio begins on Saturday May 3rd when the Taverna del Calendimaggio opens.
On Thursday, from the early afternoon, in Piazza Santa Chiara, there will be the contest to select the crossbowmen of the districts followed by the presentation of the jury for 2023 in the Sala della Conciliazione.
There will be the Carlo Lampone Award dedicated to youth and on the the vocal tribute of the “Cantori di Assisi” (voices of Assisi), before the Cene Propiziatorie nei Rioni delle Parti (the Propitiatory Feasts of the Town Districts).
There will be the performance of Assisi’s Flag Throwers “Gruppo Sbandieratori di Assisi” as well as Assisi’s Crossbowmen “Compagnia Balestrieri di Assisi” and from the 3rd the event will truly take off with re-enactments, shows and parades.
From May 3 to 6 there will be the Market of Trades, ‘Mercato dei Mestieri‘ “La fiera di Bernardone – tra saperi e mestieri della città medievale” and in Piazzetta di San Francesco Piccolino there will be an exhibition of medieval crafts.
Saturday is the day of the grand finale, with two historical parades and a singing contest: around midnight the Palio will be awarded.
The Carlo Lampone Award and the Market of Trades ‘Mercato dei Mestieri’ are part of this event, as well as the math olympics.
In June there will be the week of ancient music, with medieval instruments and singing, and the Festival della Commedia dell’arte which involves three shows held in three different squares in Assisi.
For more information about Calendimaggio www.calendimaggiodiassisi.com/en and updates click here.
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