Montone is preparing to experience a blast from the past with the Donation of the Holy Thornfamous historical re-enactment that will take place from 13 to 20 August. This event, one of the oldest and most evocative in Umbria, will transport visitors into a medieval atmosphere, populated by ladies, knights, painters and warriors, allowing them to immerse themselves in the world of the past.
The Donation of the Holy Thorn was born in the 60s as a religious celebration and display of the relic. Over the years, the event has grown to include a competition between the three wards of Gate of the Borgo, Gate of the mountain e Gate of the Verzierewho will compete to win the Palio and to elect their own Castellana.
The challenge is divided into several tests, including the “Stornellate”, historical representations made by the locals in the most suggestive corners of the village. These scenes of medieval life, which narrate historical events and moments of daily life in the 15th century, are judged by a jury of experts who evaluate historicity, scenography and interpretation. Another test that helps determine the winner of the Palio is archery competition. A real tradition of shooters has developed in Montone who train all year round and take part in historic bow competitions throughout Italy.
The score obtained in the historical representations and in the archery competition will determine the winning District, which will elect its Castellana. The scores will remain secret until Saturday evening, when the triumphant district will be proclaimed in a square full of tension and competition. During the week of the party, the little ones will compete in popular games, creating an atmosphere of laughter and fun. Every evening the local taverns will be open to offer the participants the traditional dishes of Montona.
The mayor of Montone Mirco Rinaldiunderlines the importance of this historical re-enactment “which goes beyond the simple historiographical and theatrical purpose. The Donation of the Holy Thorn allows us to tell not only the story made by the great characters who have marked the fate of Italy, but also that of the people municipality, preserving the memory and tradition of the village and its illustrious inhabitants”.
Throughout the duration of the event, visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the exhibition “Celebrating Luca Signorelli”, held in the Church of San Francesco. The exhibition, inaugurated a few days ago, offers a unique opportunity to admire the works of this renowned painter.
Among the events not to be missed, there is also the photographic exhibition of Paul Ippoliti by title “The Holy Thorn, history and beauty”. This exhibition, hosted in the evocative Cloister of San Francesco, presents 16 images selected from those taken during the 2022 edition, the year that marked the rebirth of the Donation of the Holy Thorn after the limitations imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The complete programme
Sunday 13th August
– Museum of San Francesco at 11: theatrical visit in historical costume to the museum and the medieval village;
– Cloister of San Francesco at 5.30 pm: “Braccio Fortebraccio is back in Montone”, show for children;
– Historic center at 7.30 pm: opening of local taverns.
Monday 14th August
– Rocca di Braccio at 21.30: archery competition between the districts.
Tuesday 15th August
– Museum of San Francesco at 11: theatrical visit in historical costume to the Museum
and the medieval village;
– Cloister of San Francesco at 17: “Braccio Fortebraccio is back in Montone”, show for children;
– Rocca di Braccio at 18: challenge between the Malatesta Archers of Montone and the Historical Archers of Girfalco di Fermo;
– Rocca di Braccio at 21.30, “Calandrino and his friends at the court of the Fortebracci”. Short stories by Boccaccio revisited by the Astra theater company. Show with free admission.
Wednesday 16th August
– From 21: “Duplice Pietade”
Medieval representation of the Porta del Monte district.
Thursday 17th August
– Dalle ore 21: “The Journey of the Mind”
Medieval representation of the Porta del Verziere district.
Friday 18th August
– From 21: “Jacoma’s dream”
Medieval representation of the Porta del Borgo district.
Saturday 19th August
– Chiesa di San Francesco ore 11: “Because of good, mutual and cordial friendship”. La Vergine col Bambino e santi di Luca Signorelli migrated to the National Gallery in London. Conference. Reporter prof. Valentina Ricci Vitiani;
– Cloister of San Francesco at 17: “Braccio Fortebraccio is back in Montone”, show for children;
– Rocca di Braccio at 18: Gauntlet. Popular games among the young people of the districts;
– Piazza Fortebraccio at 21.30: proclamation of the winning District.
Sunday 20 August
– Museum of San Francesco at 11: theatrical visit in historical costume to the museum and the medieval village;
– Historical Center at 18: Historical Procession of the Donation of the Holy Thorn;
– Cloister of San Francesco at 9.15 pm: “Omnia Vincit Amor”, concert by the Corale Braccio Fortebraccio directed by Maestro Francesco Fulvi.
2023-08-09 22:50:50
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