Archive for 'August'

  

Tuesday, December 3, 2013
The basilica of Lanciano town
In the small town of Lanciano in Abruzzo in central Italy, a magical event takes place from the last Sunday in August until the first Sunday in September; the Mastrogiurato di Lanciano! This is a celebration of a legendary medieval fair filled with delicious banquets, old fashioned tavern style tents, jugglers, street performers, medieval games of chivalry between knights, parades and much more!

If you would like to enjoy a week of fulfilling entertainment then you can enjoy a stay at a pretty vacation rental in Marina di San Vito town, about ten minute's drive from Lanciano.

This exciting festival derived its name from the period of 1304 when Charles II of Anjou appointed a ‘Mastrogiurato’ to govern the local town fairs, welcome guests and keep the peace between travelling merchants when trading their goods.     Read More
Posted in: Abruzzo, August, Central Italy, Events, September

  

Thursday, November 28, 2013
City of Piazza Armerina in Sicily
Come and experience a unique and exciting spectacle in the city of Piazza Armerina, the “Palio dei Normanni" which occurs on the island of Sicily off the coast of southern Italy. This thrilling event, which takes place between the 12th and 14th of August, celebrates an exciting piece of Piazza’s history. Why not stay in a lovely vacation rental in Palermo city and enjoy a day trip to witness the Palio dei Normanni?

Over a thousand years ago, the Norman King, Tancredi, had his two sons called Roger and Robert raise an army. They were to battle and release the islands of Calabria and Sicily from the grip of Saracen rule. Pope Nicholas II was in support of this cause and promised the islands to the Normans if they were victorious.

As a token of his gratitude, the Pope gave Count Roger a banner with a coat of arms portraying an image of Our Lady with Child. Roger, in turn, donated this to the city of Piazza Armerina as thanks for their help in defeating the Saracens. The banner was, and still is hung at the main alter of the city’s cathedral and honored every year at the “Palio dei Normanni”.     Read More
Posted in: August, Events, Main Islands, Sicily and Sardinia

  

Thursday, November 28, 2013
Giostra della Quintana race track
Travel back in time to discover the thrills of the medieval art of jousting at the famous ‘’Giostra della Quintana” in Ascoli Piceno! Held every year on the first Sunday of August in the charming town of Ascoli Piceno in the La Marche region of Italy, this exhilarating festival is well worth visiting and attracts more and more tourists every year.

There are lots of great value vacation rentals in Civitella del Tronto to enjoy your stay in, only thirteen kilometres from Ascoli Piceno. If you’re lucky enough to be here on the first Sunday of August for the ‘’Giostra della Quintana” then prepare to be amazed at the colourful sights, sounds and delicious smells that you will experience in the heart of the town of Ascoli!

Preceding the main jousting event in the local stadium, your eyes will be treated to a feast of colour and movement as a procession of around 1500 people march down the main street dressed in traditional medieval costumes, bearing the flags of their ‘sestiere’.     Read More
Posted in: August, Central Italy, Events, The Marches