This weekend, the people of Cortona celebrated the feast of S. Margherita, Cortona’s patron saint, and kicked off the two weeks of the Medieval Giostra dell’Archidado.
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Events began Friday night with the Colata dei ceri, or the casting of the candles, a religious practice that dates back to 1325. At the time, wax was collected and used by churches for candle making and also sold as a source of income.
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Locals dressed in traditional costumes of the time and processed into Piazza Repubblica accompanied by drummers and flag bearers.
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S. Margherita was eventually led into the piazza
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and a few events from her life were reenacted.
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If you look closely in the pink part of the photo, you will see a headsman or executioner. After Margherita was willing to sacrifice her life in place a convicted criminal, her followers cried out, “She is a saint!” and the criminal’s life was spared.
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Saturday was the Offerta dei ceri or the offering of the candles. Large candles were carried into the piazza and blessed by the bishop.
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Each quartiere or neighborhood of Cortona was represented in a procession that portrayed nobility, religious and workers of the time.
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Following the blessings, the flag bearers delighted the crowds with their skills.
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Then the candles were taken to the Basilica of Santa Margherita.
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On Sunday morning, several masses were held at the Basilica. We walked up Via Santa Croce…
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where beautiful mosaics of the stations of the cross are built into the wall.
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S. Margherita died in 1297 in a room behind the old church where she had lived the last years of her life. Over the years, the beautiful Basilica of Santa Margherita was rebuilt in her honor.
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Her body is preserved in a silver casket on the altar. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII on 16 May 1728.
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On my way out of the Basilica, I turned once again to admire its beauty, said one more quick prayer, and as I headed toward the door, a gust of wind blew it open. Really.
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Such a wonderful weekend and such an interesting way to understand and celebrate this important part of Cortona’s history.
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Great story
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Thanks!
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Love it!!! Makes me want to come in the spring… maybe next year Barbara
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Thanks and you never know!
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Beautiful pictures, Judy.
A good friend of mine is the photographer of that well-known photo of the Shroud of Turin.
The church invites him to Italy to give science lectures when they bring it out every few years. One of these years I shall time my trip to meet him for that and see if there are ceremonies that go with it.
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Could be very interesting!
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It you are sleeping g off the latest Festival 👏😌🎈 Happy Birthday – I can’t believe you are 66 – I feel so much older than you 😉 Loved the blog – thanks and love to Leonardo!!
Love Florence
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Thanks and yes, was sleeping.
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What fun; a great kick-off for
your birthday tomorrow! Wishing you a very happy one! ❤
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Has been happy indeed!
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Judy – Mille Grazie for the photos. Good to see that the citizens of Cortona remember well their patron Saint who was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order that St Francis founded in 1221 for lay people to live the Gospel in their lay – married or single – life. Happy that you experienced such a festival first hand. I will put this festival on my list.
Fr Chuck OFM
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So glad I could share with you. Expecting to see you here il prossimo!
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Judy, grazie mille for this wonderful story told in both word + photograph. I’ve been looking over the pictures and just imagining what it might have been like oh so many years ago. Easy to do with your lovely story of the festivities.
My husband, my best friend, + I will be spending 2 glorious weeks near you in early August in Il Castagno. Looking forward to leisurely strolls and losing whole hours in Cortona.
Again, many thanks. Love your blog.
~D
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So glad you enjoyed it. I know you will enjoy your time in Tuscany. Thanks!
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Spectacular pix Judy. Several years ago we were able to experience giostra dell’ archidado, which we’d love to see again. Such a magnificent week to be in Cortona!! Can’t wait to see you in Sept💜
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We’ve also seen it a couple of times and it is wonderful. See you soon!
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Thank you for connecting the past with the present!
Much enjoyed
Please keep in touch
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Well said – connecting the past with the present for so many us.
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I’ve seen it masses of times and loved it every time. This year your photographs have made a very good second best to being there!. xx
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Thanks but still wish you wee here! xo
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