The pentolaccia festa was in full swing in Barga Vecchia this afternoon, once again supremely organised by the Lake Angels. Music, games, balloons, streamers,  masks, costumes,  (the ubiquitous spray cans of foam) and of course – the Pentolacci.

This year there were 4 Pentolacci hanging from the rafters. Each one a carefully crafted papier maché work of art just waiting to be smashed to bits to get to the prizes and sweets inside. Contestants young and old took their turn with their eyes blindfolded and stick in hand as they flailed at the Pentolacci egged on by the shouting crowd,  eager to be in at the kill.

[Click here for slideshow]

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If they connected properly and with enough force the Pentolacci would burst and the confetti and sweets would shower down to the waiting eager hands below. Each year somebody, somehow or other does not manage to get hit in the face by the downward strike of the broom handle. Each year it seems like a miracle as the excitement mounts and the danger is ignored by people rushing forward hoping to get to the prizes first.

All money raised form this event will go to the Rwanda irrigation project that the Lake Angels have been working on over the past 18 months  (article here)

From the barganews archives: on this day..

• I nostri gatti della strada - 2010
• 3° Concorso Nazionale di Scuole Alberghiere - 2008