by Laura Valdesi
SIENA
Unity of purpose. Passion. A golden moment for the Onda which, after the titular party and the Giro on Sunday, dives into the Palio in July. “We actually come from a hard-working winter, marked by important restorations and donations, see the last of the matrices of Dario Neri’s woodcuts. It is then clear that the drawing of lots has accentuated the effervescence of the Contrada. We are approaching Provenzano – he observes the prior Massimo Difesat – in a passionate way, the people of the Contrada are even more active and available. The evenings in Malborghetto see a great participation of all generations”.
Let’s go back to the titular Feast. Two important appointments. The conference that celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Book of Memoirs and the restoration of the tabernacle in the Casato di sopra.
“The first event was dedicated precisely to the half century of life of the Book of Memories which falls on August 1st but which we wanted to celebrate on the occasion of the titular festival. It is the oldest preserved in the Contrada, an opportunity for knowledge and deepening of its content and historical value. On Wednesday afternoon, however, the restoration of the tabernacle of the Madonna of the burnt oven was revealed (photo below), which was possible thanks to Inner Wheel of Siena. It was in very poor condition, as was also explained in the card specially prepared by Alessandro Leoncini, an oven burned down in the place where it is located, but it is not known exactly where it was, there are no historical traces of it was recovered thanks to the synergy with Inner Wheel. It emerged, among other things, that on the back there are signatures that refer to the carpenters partying, an unexpected reference to our art”.
Baptisms on Saturday at 5.30pm: how many new wave makers will there be?
“At the moment there are 46 parchments ready, both adults and children.”
There has been an explosion in the number of mounts in the Contrade.
“Here too, there will be 112. Many young and very young people. For years now the little ones have been busy training and preparing for the Giro, which is always an emotion, in an important way”.
There is a beautiful harmony between the prior and Captain Alessandro Toscano.
“A phenomenal relationship, we were vicars together. We understand each other even without speaking. The Contrada gives him all the support possible.”
Is there any new initiative in sight for Provenzano, even at Cenini level?
“We’ll go back to the old on June 27th, we’ll close and everyone will take to the streets with the saucepan and what they have prepared, sharing it with the other wave makers”.
Will the prior make any recommendations to the contrada members before the Palio?
“It is always good to point out that when we are in the Onda or mounted there must be awareness of behaviors, maintaining a dignified attitude and always respectful of the other sisters. Enjoying the days of the Festival, having fun and being together”.
