Once again, and as repeated every year, the people of Cortona celebrate and reenact the 1397 wedding of Francesco Casali and Antonia Salimbeni. Over many days, and with great pomp and circumstance, they fill the piazzas with medieval markets, craft fairs, traditional food, medieval games, falconry, and various forms of entertainment including musicians, flag throwers, fire eaters and jesters. The more serious events include the celebration of Santa Margherita, Cortona’s patron saint; the wedding reenactment; and the crossbow competition. For the latter, five areas of Cortona, called quintiere, each have a team that competes. Last year, our neighbor Vincenzo and his team won. And this year, they repeated, so we were delighted.
Here are some of the sights and sounds of the weekend.
Flag throwers exhibition, one of many…
Participants…think Renaissance Fair, but serious!
Spectators: not so serious!
Best Hairdo!
The Victors:
The Victors’ Parade. (Note: as my neighbor Vincenzo approaches to give me a hug, video is affected!)
Another weekend in Cortona filled with history, passion and great fun!
Ciao, and Complimenti ai vincitori!
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
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