Messa del Tallero

On 6 January Gemona del Friuli re-creates a captivating Medieval celebration: the Epiphany of the Tallero (thaler - an antique silver coin). To the sound of drums a solemn procession of enchanting damsels and knights accompanies the Mayor through Medieval Via Bini to the magnificent cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta where the Mass of the Thaler is held. During the religious function the Mayor of the city gives the Archpriest of the church a shiny silver thaler; this act symbolizes the temporal powers rendering submission to the spiritual powers. This highly symbolic ceremony is still observed today. The very same rituals once performed by the Captain of the People - a representative of the Magnificent Community of Gemona - with the Parish priest - a representative of the religious authority - are re-enacted today. The donation of the silver thaler, the nobility dressed in opulent period costumes, the stirring roll of drums and the gallant guards all contribute to re-create a magnificent Medieval ceremony.