Agosto medioevale

During the month of August the ancient city of Gemona is the lovely backdrop for a series of historical festivals. The high point of the festival programme is the Medieval Tempus est jocundum which animates the city centre the first weekend.

You step back in time and suddenly find yourself in a bustling hamlet from the 14th century. Minstrels and playful jesters invite you to discover antique music and gay dancing. The animated streets are crowed with merchants and artisans with fortune-tellers hidden in the shadows and alchemist experimenting powerful potions, both arousing your curiosity. Along the streets you will also meet pilgrims and unusual wanderers, but be careful not to offend a noble dame or chivalrous knight, because diligent squires have orders to set offenders to the pillory! The noisy comings and goings of carriages, the silt-walkers, the fire-eaters, the merry court feasting and the vibrant performance of the flag-wavers will enthral you all the three evenings that the festival is held.

During the second weekend of the historical programme representatives from the various city districts participate in Medieval summer games in the Palio of the Niederlech. This competition was inspired by the antique privilege to charge duty taxes on goods transiting through Gemona, a privilege that was granted to the Magnificent Community of Glemonae by the Patriarch towards the middle of the 13th century. After extenuating preliminary games the two best playing districts meet on 14 August for the final challenge: a game of Draughts, Whites against Blacks, played on a Maxi Draughtboard. The champions appoint a representative of their choice to be the Lady of the Castle, who is Dame of the City of Gemona for a full year.