ITALIAN JOURNEY – PROGRAMME 2

ROME – THE GRAPE FESTIVAL IN MARINO

There is a group of hill villages south of Rome known as the Castelli Romani, whose main products are grapes and wine.  It is therefore not surprising  that a good harvest is celebrated there in style.

In one of these villages, Marino, there is a big grape festival on the first Sunday in November.

By a happy coincidence, it falls on the same day as two other important dates in the local calendar – the feast of Our Lady and the anniversary of an important victory at sea.

The three events are celebrated in a festival that not even the wintry weather can dampen.

The day begins with the annual procession through the square of the Madonna of the Rosary.  A friendly passer-by explains the significance of the procession.

Passer-by 1: This is the statue of  Our Lady that is normally in the church.  Now it’s gone back into the basilica – it’s been through the streets and round the square, and now it’s gone back into the Basilica of St. Barnabas.

James: What is the significance of the procession?

Passer-by 1: The procession is an act of faith that believers make to thank Our Lady for the protection she gives to the people of Marino and the next grape harvest.

James: Right, the grape harvest.  And who are the people that are leading the procession?

Passer-by 1:   The church leaders, for a start.  There’s the  parish priest, then the mayor and the authorities from other towns near Marino.

James: OK, I see. Thank you.

Passer-by 1: You’re welcome.

The festival warms up during the afternoon, with the historic procession which celebrates Prince Marcantonio’s victory at the Battle of Lepanto.
 
A girl from the town is elected by the people to play the princess that Marcantonio will marry.

Every year a famous actor plays the part of the prince.  This year it is Orso-Maria Guerrini’s turn.

The celebration winds up with an event celebrating religion, the harvest and history – the miracle of the fountains flowing with wine.

The methods may be of this world, but the enjoyment is certainly genuine.

Passer-by 2: Well, this festival celebrates the return of Marcantonio Colonna from the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 after defeating the Moors in battle.  So it is to celebrate and to thank him for everything, that we have this festival.

James: And the fountains? 

Passer-by 2: The fountains – it’s a miracle!  The miracle of the fountains!

James: And what is the significance, what does it mean, why now?

Passer-by 2: Because this is the period of the grape harvest, which is the most important, it’s Marino’s main resource, so that’s what it’s for.

James: I see. Thank you very much.

Passer-by 2: You’re welcome.