The Pugnaloni of Acquapendente

On the third Sunday in May, one of the oldest folkloric celebrations in Tuscia takes place, the "Festa dei Pugnaloni," also known as the "Festa di Mezzomaggio." The festival commemorates an event of great importance to the village: in 1166 the blossoming of a dry cherry tree was considered miraculous and auspicious for the inhabitants of Acquapendente, who thus found the courage to confront and defeat Frederick Barbarossa, who had long subjugated them. The festival thus celebrates both the liberation from domination and Our Lady of the Flower. To mark the event, "pugnaloni" mosaics made of flowers and oak leaves glued onto panels are made, creating huge, multi-hued paintings. After being made, the pugnaloni are carried in procession following the statue of the Madonna del Fiore and placed in the cathedral square, where the most beautiful is awarded a prize. Framing the event are medieval re-enactments, historical processions and flag-waving.