Cotto - La Disfida

The drive from Pisa to Cotto took us along the autostrada, then followed winding roads up through the hills.

Cotto.

Fivizzano is the closest town, to where we were staying, with shops and a postoffice. It was a 5km drive on very narrow, very windy roads. Daniel did ask where the other car was supposed to go if we met one coming the other way!
We arrived in time to unpack the car and have a swim in the salt water pool before heading into town.

On the evening we arrived in Cotto there was an annual festival, la Disfida Degli Arceri di Terra e di Corte,  being held in Fivizzano. This is a celebration showcasing the skills of archers from four neighbouring districts in a very spectacular tournament. The evening commenced with the beating of drums which echoed around the piazza.

It was very stirring. Then each town being represented had their citizens parade through the streets dressed in medieval costumes.

Some rode horses........

.......others walked with their young children......

....... and the flag throwers, the sbandieratori .....

........threw their flags high in the air whilst marching along the streets.

Archers taking part in the procession.

Daniel, Dad and Madeleine following the last horses to the amphitheatre.

Each town arrived in the amphitheatre to trumpets trumpeting and flags being thrown to amazing heights.

The contest began.......

Archers getting ready

One target for each district.

....it was run in heats with the flag throwers entertaining the crowd each time the judges entered the arena.

The show was spectacular! We headed back to the house as it was late and the flag throwers were replaced by a jester (who was just too good at entertaining the crowd with his evil laugh)......

This is the jester earlier in the piazza....no evil laugh here just clever cartwheels.

As we had left before the announcement of the winners, we would have to wait to see our hostess Merrion in the morning for the news......