Our last weekend in Cortona was filled with traditional Medieval customs, celebrated annually by the locals.
Saturday evening, the town reenacted the 1397 marriage of Francesco Casali, Lord of Cortona, to Antonia Salimbeni, a noble woman of Siena, complete with flag-throwers, musicians, and a drawing for the shooting order for Sunday’s crossbow competition.
But let’s step back for a moment. Our great friend, Ivan, (Il Pozzo Galleria) has acted in the role of Francesco for as long as anyone can remember, along with his daughter, Marta, who annually serves as the lovely Antonia. We stopped in to see Ivan midday and were fortunate enough to experience not only the intricate detail of their costumes but also the weight.
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And then this… gym shoes and all!
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It’s hard to describe the beautiful detail, complexity and weight of these costumes, and true to form, the evening would be the hottest of the year! I was sweating just thinking about it. But on to the evening…
Drum roll, please!
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This year, the bride-to-be arrived in a chianina drawn carriage, much to the delight of the patrons.
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After being helped out of her coach by her lord in waiting,
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she was introduced to the appreciative crowds.
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As is customary for all important Cortona events, traditional flag throwers accompanied the ceremony.
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Before the final entertainment began, the lights unexpectedly went out, 
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but as if on cue, in came the flame throwers, so it was a perfect ending to a wonderfully entertaining evening.
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As the people dispersed, we bumped into a very hot, tired, but always happy to greet people with a smile, Ivan.
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Sunday was another hot day, both weather and competition wise for the Archidado. Peccioverardi won after 4 playoffs, 24-23 over S. Andrea.
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Afterward, they paraded around town for their well-fought victory march, carrying the near bulls-eye arrow.
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One final thought about the weekend…
Each year, Ivan tells us it’s his last, yet for those of us who know him, it’s hard to imagine that anyone else could fill his shoes!
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Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
We were fortunate enough to experience this wonderful tradition 2 years ago as well as enjoy our stay at Ivan’s apartment across from his shop! So many wonderful memories!! We hope to return soon!!
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Extra fun then for you to see Ivan and the festivities. Hopefully you do get to return!
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FABULOUS! FABULOUS! FABULOUS! How perfect for your last weekend! We keep getting blown away by the quality of your photography, Judy.
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Thanks! Hard to believe I took those from the loggia in front of teatro!
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What a splendid day Complete with Ivan the Terr-ific Thank you
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A great name for Ivan indeed!
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Tante Grazie for the photos and story of the Medieval Marriage and Joust. What a grand fest! And what a great way for you two to end your spring 2019 stay in the citta miravigliosa Cortona!
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Yes on all fronts! Saw Charles today and hoped by chance we would bump into you. Magari, One of these days!!
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Ciao Giuditta!
Spero tutto bene li a Chicago, grazie come al solito per la tua gentilezza!
Un caro abbraccio!
Ivan
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Grazie Ivan, un caro abbraccio a te!
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Ma che belle fotografie
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Grazie!
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