We took the train from Verona to Orvieto this morning, with a change of trains in Bologna. We arrived in Orvieto by 12:30 and went directly to our apartment rental. After meeting the owner and rental agent, we called our friend, Alba, who came right over to see us. We went for lunch with her and enjoyed a three hour conversation. Such a treat for us to spend time with her!
After lunch, we walked out of the restaurant and heard music getting louder and louder. The Corpus Christi Festival had begun! This Festival was established in 1264 by Pope Urban IV and has been celebrated every year since, with the celebration incorporating faith, history, tradition, and folklore. The city is festooned with banner flags. The Saturday afternoon parade was led by the Ladies Parade, with everyone dressed in medieval costumes, representing both rich and poor, men with armor and helmets, and all created using historical research by Orvieto’s seamstresses, embroiderers, and workshops. There were over 400 people in the parade, solemnly walking through town then to the Duomo where they had a service. Afterward, they processed out to the Duomo Piazza while drums and trumpets played for over an hour, with flag bearers performing. The parade left the Duomo crisscrossing through town for another hour. What a festive time to be in Orvieto!
After lunch, we walked out of the restaurant and heard music getting louder and louder. The Corpus Christi Festival had begun! This Festival was established in 1264 by Pope Urban IV and has been celebrated every year since, with the celebration incorporating faith, history, tradition, and folklore. The city is festooned with banner flags. The Saturday afternoon parade was led by the Ladies Parade, with everyone dressed in medieval costumes, representing both rich and poor, men with armor and helmets, and all created using historical research by Orvieto’s seamstresses, embroiderers, and workshops. There were over 400 people in the parade, solemnly walking through town then to the Duomo where they had a service. Afterward, they processed out to the Duomo Piazza while drums and trumpets played for over an hour, with flag bearers performing. The parade left the Duomo crisscrossing through town for another hour. What a festive time to be in Orvieto!
