Jesters and bagpipes, commoners and nobles and, sitting at the center of the tables of the large torch-lit banquet, Matilde of Canossa and Henry V aka the actors Enrica Guidi and Alessandro Marverti.
Thus the 58th edition of the historical Matildic procession opened on Friday in the churchyard of Sant’Antonino, with the celebrations of the Notte del Volgo.
Yesterday, despite the competition from the AC/D concert at the Rcf Arena, it was another magical day for those who wanted to immerse themselves in the medieval dream set up in the shadow of the Bianello castle, in whose rooms the actors carried out rehearsals for the re-enactment which will take place today from 5.30 pm in the large arena.
About forty groups in costume waited in the camp with weapons, animals and siege engines which, combined with the eight hundred people in period clothing, really make it seem like they have entered a time machine and come out in the year 1111.
The taverns, the large medieval market (never so many stalls as in this edition), games and educational activities for children are in full operation, all made more fabulous by shows and fights, performances by jesters, musicians and scenic fencing, ax tests and archery tournaments… and the gloomy Torture Museum.
Today’s program includes the opening of the camp at 9 am, followed at 9.30 by the spectacular “Children’s Procession”; at 11 am the blessing of the Palio in front of the church of Sant’Antonino followed by the holy mass in costume.
From 3 pm in the arena there will be alternating performances by musicians and troubadours, fighters and ladies… At 5.30 pm the show “The viper and the rock” will be held, which tells the story of the betrayal of the squire Ugo del Manso which cost the Grand Countess her defeat against the imperial troops in 1091 near Padua.
At 6pm the representation of the Reinfeudation of Matilda followed by the equestrian show of the Knights of the Green Count and the Grand Pass of Arms with the fight on the bridge.
At 8pm the final parade of Matilde and Enrico with a parade of the districts is scheduled along the streets of the town.
