The origins of the festival of Calendimaggio are to be found among the ancient customs of many different peoples, but especially in the Roman celebrations known as the “Fasti di Maggio” and in the medieval tradition of celebrating the arrival of Spring in early May (Kalende di Maggio)
In Barga it is now always celebrated with the annual crossbow championship .
The Associazione Historica Lucense in Lucca have been organising these events in Barga since 2001.
Last year the event was cancelled because of the terrible weather and this year the rain once again played an important part with intermittent showers disrupting the program but the event did take place, the sun did come out, the procession through the city took place and the assembled crossbow men (and women) spent the latter part of the afternoon firing off their crossbows outside the Duomo and the Museum.
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From the archives: Calendimaggio |2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
