Jousting Pictures from Ascoli
These jousting pictures were taken during the Quintana of Ascoli, a great tourist attraction in Italy.
Six knights, one from every “sestriere” (borough) of the town compete in this contest: they must hit a tiny target held by a dummy called “il moro” at a breakneck speed. The prize for the winner, called “il palio” is a drape created each year by a different artist and is jealously guarded by the winning party. Considering that this jousting game has been played for the last seven hundred years, it still enjoys exceptional popularity. People of Ascoli join this medieval fair with abandon, this year one thousand fifty people where dressed in period costumes and the support of the crowd to the jousting knights was incredible. The making of the medieval costumes is an industry in itself: it employs tailors year round for the the fashioning and the embroidering of the clothing that are often inspired by ancient paintings. Another important part of this medieval festival is the contest of the “sbandieratori” or flag jugglers. This activity as reached the status of sport, it requires constant training and a good dose of ability. It is practiced in many historic towns throughout Italy and the performances and contest are spectacular. These jousting pictures were taken during the August edition of the Quintana.
Click here for more about Ascoli and jousting pictures
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