The Maggiolata is an iconic event in Lucignano, an ode to spring celebrated with flower-decorated floats, the fruit of the commitment and creativity of the Lucignano community. Divided into the four districts of Porta Murata, Porta S. Giusto, Porta S. Giovanni and Via dell'Amore, residents come together to give life to this extraordinary festival.
The origins of the Maggiolata date back to 1937, when, as a tribute to the agricultural tradition, the carts were loaded with brooms, locally called 'May', hence the name of the event. After the Second World War, the Maggiolata took on a new and playful guise, with a parade of floats covered in about 10,000 flowers, including carnations, gerberas and daisies.
The parade is preceded by the Captain of Arms who, accompanied by drummers and clarion players, announces the start of the event. The float, symbol of the municipality of Lucignano and pulled by two majestic Chianina cows, closes the procession.
The districts work secretly all year round to create the floats, and the most original and consistent with the chosen theme is awarded with the Grifo d'Oro. (Golden Gryphon).
This prize, besides rewarding the work of the volunteers, inspires intense emotions among the winners, but also some bitterness for those who will have to wait until next year to try to win it.
Not to be missed is the 'Battle of the Flowers', which concludes the event on the second Sunday in May. The floats are undressed and The floats are undressed and the flowers transformed into contradas, creating a marvellous 'battle' of coloured petals among the crowd, a joyful way of paying homage to the arrival of spring.
When: To be defined in May
Where: Lucignano
Email: info@maggiolatalucignanese.it
Website: www.maggiolatalucignanese.it
