Yesterday was a LOAD of fun! And the weather was perfect, too! So nice that I even joined the group in the center!!!
Early on the day of the Palio is La Messa del fantino, where each horse rider is blessed and given communion (along with the top of the city) in the Campo. at the small chapel which is attached to the front of the Palazzo Publico. We attended class, as usual - 9 - 11, 11:20 - 12:30, 12:40 - 1:30 (a standard day - Mondays are a little different - start an hour late because of the new students taking placement tests). Then, we all split from each other and went out to attend the Benedictione del Cavallo. At each of the competing contrada's church, they all meet in the church or courtyard, then bring in the horse to give it a blessing, before everyone parades through town, winding through the streets with their contrada's flag and standard bearers, drummers, and representative and horse, all in 13th C garb. One stop is in front of the Duomo, where the flag throwers (two per contrada) do a routine in front of the Bishop of the Duomo (who is up in his window), and they receive a blessing from him. Then, everyone marches into the Campo, with much regalia, a large procession, more flag throwing, and horn playing (the city band marches along, too, playing the city song).
Then, around 7 pm, the Palio itself comes through, pulled on a cart by these ENORMOUS white bulls (seriously - their backs are taller than most men) through the Campo, and everyone waves their scarves at it, hopefully putting their own contrada's luck the most onto the Palio. Then, the fun begins. For an hour to an hour and a half, you suffer false starts, confusion, and frustration, until finally the race happens, and it's all over in 1.5 minutes (three times around the Campo).
This year's race had no contest - Tartuca was at the beginning for the entire race (as you can see on YouTube). Many of our students had chosen Tartuca for their contrada - first of all, our school is located in Tartuca, plus their colors are HP blue and gold, not to mention they were the favored group, and it is the American way to favor the winner! After the Palio, everyone returned home, except for Tartuca, who marched throughout the streets. All night. They woke me around 3 AM.
From today on, the kids might see some Tartuca members (they're all still wearing their scarves) with pacifiers - it's a symbol that this is their first time to be winners - they're "Babies" to victory. Tartuca will hold a celebration dinner in a few nights, but they'll parade through the city every day from now for the next three weeks. Then, there's another Palio on August 16, and it starts all over again, until next July.
Today, we begin normalcy (Grazie Dio - I'm happy to get to start taking regular SHOWERS). We'll go out to the Fortezza Medicea to do a little sharing at the end of our first week, as well as share our plans for this weekend! Tomorrow morning, we head to Florence for a day of fun art and history. We'll visit the Uffizi (Botticelli!) in the morning, then head over to the Academia (Il Davide!)in the afternoon, which will fill our day before we must head home in time for dinner at the houses.
Sunday is a free day for everyone. I know that many of the kids are headed to the beach (which is nice, and the return home, smelly), and some are thinking about going as groups to Pisa or San Gimignano (for which I will be giving them schedules). I do pursue a personal experience of my own, as well - I take a tour with a group, just to remind me of how it feels to be on the other side of a tour.
As we hit the mid-way point of this trip, I just want to thank you for sending us with such AMAZING kids. We are all having a wonderful experience because everyone in this group is so respectful, fun-seeking, adventurous, responsible, and considerate. Next week will be a more normal week - piu tranquilita, piu normalita, piu come la citta di Siena. The kids are loving their teachers, and learning Italian so quickly!!! I can't believe it's just a week until we head to Rome!
Hugs to you all,
L :)
2 comments:
Laura -
If at all possible, make sure the kids get to go to Vivoli's in Firenze - the best gelato on the planet - it is unbelievably good
For adults, if there is time, there is a small snack shop in the middle of the Via Tournaboni, the most elegant shopping street in Firenze, where you can have Panini Tartuffati with a glass of wine or mineral water - it's really special
But if at all possible get the kids to Vivoli's - it's the best
George Seay
The girls totally checked this out, and, yes, they do have awesome gelato! I stopped by there last year during our day in Florence, and, to think of the chocolate mousse gelato . . . still get chills . . .
Post a Comment