On the first of May in Braccagni, the Maremma, with groups of Tuscan Folksingers, celebrates the “Maggerini” with an appointment in the Fair olive grove to greet the spring. Respecting the ancient tradition, the celebrations begin in late afternoon on April 30, with wandering groups of “maggerini” (which comes from the Italian word for May, maggio) visiting the farms of the region.
The visit follows a specific ritual: the request for permission to enter, the welcome, merrymaking and giving thanks for
the gifts received. All is done while singing improvised verses in ottava rima, that is with eight lines in hendecasyllables- the noble meter of the Divine Comedy.
The gifts gathered are then shared during the great festival on May first, a festival that is open to everyone where songs are sung about the history of this land and the hopes for abundant harvests. A lively and multicoloured fair that is brought to life by sounds, songs and colours: from the costumes of the musicians to those of the luxurious flowers within the suggestive frame of the hills of Montepescàli - a medieval jewel called “the balcony of the Maremma”.
There will be an afternoon tea among the olive trees with traditional local products. The exibithion of Maggerini begins with groups that range from 5 to 20 singers accompanied by guitars and accordions.
This effervescent atmosphere ends up involving even the visitors who - with the help of the local wine - rise to the challenge, “responding in kind” - as they say in Tuscany.
Among the parallel initiatives are photography shows, art and cartoon expositions and practical demonstrations of traditional crafts.
The event is organized by the Popular Tradition Group “Galli Silvestro”.
(Portions of this article first appeared in "Toscana & Chianti News")
ShareThis
0 comments:
Post a Comment