Federicus 2024 opens the doors to the greatest enlightened sovereign: Frederick II of Swabia the Stupor Mundi “Knowledge of the past can and must accustom us to better understand the complexity of the present”. This is the essence of Frederick II-Stupor Mundi .
Great success for the eleventh edition of the Medieval Festival “Federicus 2024” ongoing and tomorrow 28 April 2024 in Altamura in the province of Bari.
Historic groups of flag-wavers enlivened the second day of the festival along the route, while countless artists and volunteers from the Aps Fortis Murgia Association gave life to their art, along the route which ran from the Tonino D’Angelo stadium to the Castello Svevo in Piazza Matteotti.
With the evocative title “Ad Orientem, on the way to the rising sun”, Federicus 2024 paid homage and celebrated one of its greatest travellers, Marco Polo, bringing the theme of travel, discovery and encounters with worlds previously only imagined into the cloisters and square of the city of Altamura.
The “magic” was renewed again this year, transforming the city into a medieval village.
Many participants also came from other provinces who were able to discover the beauty of the country.
The event began with the historical parade and the re-enactment of the ancient characters who made Frederick II of Swabia famous over the centuries, then the town opened its doors in a route that wound along streets and cloisters until arriving at the castle .
A fantastic journey that I looked “to the East” on the traces of the path that the then young man Marco Poloset out to discover new wonders.
This year Federicus is telling the story of Marco Polo, this merchant 700 years after his death in 1324, an opportunity to give prestige to the memory of the Venetian, recognized as having written the first reliable and complete account of the East, the first contribution to the mutual knowledge between Asia and Europe, and recall the meaning that his life and his extraordinary experience had as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
Thanks also to the memory of Marco Polo, Altamura and Federicus are once again giving a message of hope, peace and brotherhood.
L’XI edition of Federicus 2024 has as its objective, to remember the value of cultural inclusiveness of travel, openness, curiosity towards knowledge and towards what is other than us, which is still of great relevance today.
Porta Matera and Porta Bari, places where the itineraries begin, welcomed the flag-wavers who opened the celebration with an explosion of rhythms, drums, music and flag-waving.
The route was animated by various groups of artists, medieval music, acrobatics and fire shows, juggling, stilt walkers and fire shows for which children and adults continually asked for repeat performances.
Numerous medieval-themed performances began, with music, dances, rhythms, flag-wavers, organized by historical groups, fire artists, snake charmers.
Also appreciated were the entertainment stands organized by the volunteers of the organizing association, various characters along the route, the medieval market and the revival of ancient games: a space crowded with children who also followed the other shows involving the children with great interest. adults.
There was a lot of approval for the event, especially from tourists who were on site and who sent compliments and positive comments to Fortis Murgia, organizer of the event in collaboration with the municipal administration of Altamura.
A great success in participation which is increasing year after year, a sign that this is a “different” moment from the usual party made up only of shows on stage and stalls.
An event wanted by the people, who in three “magical” days are making adults and children dream.
The commemorative event takes place in Altamura generally in the last ten days of April, with the aim of highlighting the importance of a European conscience, already perceived with such advance and intuition by Frederick II, today more relevant than ever.
Furthermore, it does not want to be characterized only as a tribute to Frederick II of Swabia, but aims, at the same time, to enhance the history, art, culture and tradition of Altamura, rediscovering the ancient historic districts and sites monumental.
For eleven years, for three days, the Murgian city has filled its streets with coats of arms and flags and is completely immersed in the fascinating and sumptuous medieval atmosphere.
The second day was characterized along the streets of the historic centre, by the sumptuous medieval Grand Historical Procession made up of hundreds of people including figures, falconers, historical groups, musicians, flag-wavers and Knights Templar.
Medieval tournaments and prizes for the winners took place throughout the historic center of the city, in the various neighborhoods.
There was no shortage of food stands with typical local dishes.
A commemorative party, an identity mark, a manifesto of art, culture and entertainment in the name of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia and Bianca Lancia.
In recalling the figure of the Swabian emperor, we invite the recovery of cultural roots and local identities: Altamura, his breadher stonesits many riches on which the Cathedral of the Assumptionwhich they recognize in Frederick II of Swabia their re-founder.
Frederick of Hoenstaufen, (1194 -1250), last sovereign of the Swabian dynasty to reign on the island, son of Henry VI, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and king of Sicily and of Constance of Hauteville, last heir of the Norman dynasty, had a multi-faceted personality.
He was defined as Stupor Mundi for his infinite intellectual curiosity. A great lover of the studies of philosophy, astrology, economics, mathematics, medicine, natural sciences, he wrote a treatise on falconry as well as a knowledge of six languages (Latin, Sicilian, Arabic, Greek, French and German).
His reign was characterized by an intense activity of cultural, artistic and legislative innovation, the intent of which was to unify peoples and lands; strongly opposed also by the Church whose temporal power he openly questioned, he also received excommunications for this reason.
A man of extraordinary culture and a great man of letters, he was the protector of artists and scholars and his court was a meeting place for different cultures: Latin, Greek, Arabic, Jewish and Germanic.
Federicus wants to tell the participants the life and way of living and thinking of medieval man.
Federicus, the enchanting medieval festival now in its 11th edition, is transporting the citizens of Altamura and visitors on a fascinating journey back to 1200, at the time of the Swabian Emperor Frederick II.
The mission is to enhance the territory of the city of Altamura, the most populous center of Alta Murgia.
The organizers are satisfied with the success of the party which was and will also be a moment of aggregation not only for those who participated, but for the town: everyone feels involved and “proud” that for three days, Altamura was able to show and will continue to show to many people the best of themselves.
The Aps Foris Murgia Association thanks the public bodies and sponsors who made the event possible.
The work of the many volunteers, set designers, prop makers, costume designers and all the numerous specialized workers who work behind the scenes is painstaking.
Surprises and lots of beauty await you tomorrow.
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