by Laura Valdesi
SIENA
“A titular celebration without the joyful expectation of seeing a horse in the stable on June 29th, after so many career races in a row. A more relaxed celebration even if we want to run, run and possibly win. There is the determination to always be protagonists, whatever we do. Even in August we don’t race by right, we rely on our captain who has been out of luck quite often. Maybe he took a break, let’s hope it ends immediately”, jokes Chiocciola prior Marco Grandi.
Lots of events on the calendar.
“Duccio Balestracci’s conference yesterday in the victory hall ‘Here is the group of the Chiocciola, repair them so that they do not pass. From the fifteenth century Brigades to the current Contrade’. This year marks 600 years since the mention of the Chiocciola by the novelist Gentile Sermini who in 1424, reporting one of the fights, he mentioned for the first time the Chiocciola. Tomorrow instead ‘Stories of silk, the flag makers of the Chiocciola’ celebrates the art of the women of San Marco who are celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the formation of a group that then has organized itself, especially thanks to the experience of some, carrying on the work. The flags of the Square for July will be presented and also a new drum made by our workshop. All built in house, thanks also to the skills learned in the ‘City of professions'”.
A ‘digit’ of the titular festival will be being together on the slabs.
“A Contrada that is very united at the moment, close-knit in doing things. There is a desire to meet up as much as possible, between different generations, in the district. There will be stalls, the brazier tavern, the stands”.
The problem, already reported by you, has arisen again, the Duomo dormitory car park for migrants.
“A problem that has resurfaced for a couple of days. In the past it has been addressed and reported, all the Contrade are ‘sentinels’ of the territory. There is a problem, even for those who live in a difficult situation. There is a human problem. We have always made ourselves available to solve problems, it is clear that we cannot do prevention, there are always the responsible bodies available.
How many were baptized this year?
“A good number, certainly over 50”
What does the prior of Chiocciola hope for his second family?
“What we ultimately want for each of us. Living everyday life well, we are doing it, safeguarding what is beautiful about us. Implementing sociality, enhancing intergenerational relationships thanks also to the splendid work of the children’s section. Our president he is also the coordinator of the little ones of the 17 Contrade, evidently there is a work behind it that can be made available to the whole city to create the Sienese of tomorrow, not just the snails trying to win everything we take part in. Then it’s difficult, the facts demonstrate it, but the mentality is this: to come first in everything, it may not succeed but that’s how it is.”
“I have the privilege of being on the Magistrate’s delegation and I am pleased, as difficult as it is, to underline the work of the rector Emanuele Squarci, a person from another era. Friendly but determined, he carries out a great activity. I notice it from the inside. The same I can say for the pro-rector Carlo Piperno, they are two strong and precious elements of the Magistrate”.
