Montaperti, the countdown has begun for the historical re-enactment of the “Peace” signed in Castelfiorentino on 25 November 1260, at the end of the bloody battle between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. This event left a deep mark on the collective memory of Grand Ducal Tuscany, and also on the community of Castelfiorentino, to the point that the moment the peace agreements were signed is immortalised in the historical curtain of the Teatro del Popolo, inaugurated in 1868. The celebrations will take place on Saturday 22 November, starting at 10:00 a.m. in Piazza del Popolo. This is where the historical procession will begin, formed by the historical procession of the Florentine Republic with their retinue of halberdiers, guild infantrymen, infantry officers, bombers, musicians and flag bearers from the Uffizi, together with the civil and military authorities, the participants in the historical procession of Monteriggioni and representatives of voluntary associations. The procession will follow the following route: Piazza del Popolo, Via Ferruccio, Corso Matteotti, Piazza Gramsci (inner ring), Corso Matteotti, Via Ferrucci, Via XX Settembre, Chiassetto, Via Tilli, Piazza del Popolo.
In front of the Town Hall (at approximately 11:00 a.m.), there will be a historical re-enactment of the ‘signing’ of the peace agreements, followed by a flag-waving performance. During the morning, the Historical Curtain of the Teatro del Popolo will be open to visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
In the afternoon, at the Ridotto del Teatro del Popolo (starting at 4:00 p.m.), there will be a conference organised in collaboration with the Società Storica della Valdelsa entitled “Guelfi e Ghibellini dopo Montaperti: the Peace of Castelfiorentino” with speeches by Federico Canaccini (University of Rome – LUMSA) and – via videoconference – Paolo Cammarosano (President of the European Centre for Medieval Research – Trieste), interspersed with violin performances by the Orpheus association.
“In memory of this historic peace”, emphasises the Councillor for Culture, Franco Spina, “our city is once again preparing to welcome the memory of that harmony with a renewed event over the next two weekends, with an important focus on the local area (the “Romanello Cantini” Peace Prize and the traditional historical procession through the streets of the city centre, enriched by the participation of local associations that are “peace workers”). Because if it is essential to give value to the present through the past, it is equally important to recognise the power of cooperation, the first step towards building peace and affirming culture, the only infallible antidote to barbarism. Sowing humanity is cultivating peace.
For detailed information on the programme: Tourist Office in Castelfiorentino (+39 0571.629049) orwww.comune.castelfiorentino.fi.it
