Antonella Fadda "Medieval Montecchio" unfolds in three acts. Love, war, and peace will be the main themes for the historical reenactment of Montecchio Maggiore scheduled for next week with three events. The event, now in its 23rd edition, will be inspired by the work of Zeffirino Agazzi, "Monteci e Capuleti," which draws inspiration from the legendary story of Romeo and Juliet, immortalized by William Shakespeare and previously narrated by the work of Luigi da Porto.
On Sunday, and then on April 30 and May 1, the story of the two young lovers will be told and reenacted, between Piazza Duomo and the two castles. The event is organized by the Municipality and the historical-cultural association "Giulietta e Romeo," which has involved historical groups from all over Italy. Explaining the novelties of the festival that kicks off the beautiful season in the city was the president of the association, Raffaele Romio. "It will essentially be a three-part show, over three evenings," he said. "We have a new director, Maurizio Panicchi, with whom we have developed the story based on Agazzi's work, and a new costume designer, Stefano Nicolao, who has designed the new costumes for Romeo and Juliet."
So the first event will be on Sunday with "The arrival of the prince and the convocation of the Capulet and Montague families." Two processions will start at 8:00 p.m. from the church of San Pietro and from the parking lot of the Sant'Antonio theater in via Pieve to meet at 8:30 p.m. in Piazza Duomo. This will be followed by a theatrical performance that will include the prince's reception, accompanied by performances by flag throwers, jugglers, and musicians. Two days later, the second theatrical moment, entitled "The consequence of hatred: the drama of love," will take place. At 8:30 p.m., the square in front of the Cathedral will host the funeral of the two young lovers. A symbolic moment aimed at conveying the universal message against violence. At the same time, starting from 8:30 p.m., at the restaurant Castelli di Giulietta e Romeo, there will be a journey into the past with musicians, crusaders, fire eaters, and nobles from disappeared houses, around a table laden with ancient flavors. In this case, booking is mandatory. The highlight of the three-day event will be on Wednesday, May 1, with "The celebration for the rediscovered peace." From 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. the two castles will host the reconciliation of families, with the election of the new "Romeo and Juliet 2024" and medieval shows. There will be food and craft stalls, falconers, actors in historical costumes, and fighters.
This year there are 11 candidates for the role of the two young lovers, with an average age of 18.
As tradition dictates, the day will begin with the Minimarcia biancorossa. "Let's not forget that the story of Romeo and Juliet was born thanks to the castles that Da Porto observed from afar," said Mayor Gianfranco Trapula. "'Medieval Montecchio' attracts thousands of visitors every year and helps to make our city known worldwide."
"Montecchio is the city of castles and the city of love," added councilor Raffaella Mazzocco, "and this year it’s also the city sending a heartfelt message against violence and hatred."
(GdV, mercoledì 24 aprile)