How do you know it is spring in central Italy? Well, in addition to the Green Heart of Italy, as Umbria is known, with all of the green trees in full bloom, and the rolling hills also showing off their greenery, the annual spring celebration known as Calendimaggio is a sure sign that we have put winter to bed.
This festival is full of local tradition involving the upper part of the city, or Sopra, and the lower part of the city, Soto, competing each year. The residents take part in all types of competitions including archery, musical performances, and much more, to celebrate the change of seasons, and help the thousands upon thousands who descend on Assisi’s main piazza, as well as those who stroll the ancient streets, realize the importance of tradition and local culture.
Many thanks to our friend in Assisi, Monica, for kindly sharing some of her pictures of the local residents playing their parts. To see all the photos Click Here! And if you like drums, here is the fun local drum corp of young people in the procession!
Photos: Teresa Tomeo, Monica Nelson