The first weekend in September in the USA is normally Labor Day, a big holiday weekend. But Carol and Roger would argue that it doesn’t hold a candle to that same weekend in Pienza.
In Pienza, the first weekend in September is the Fiera di Cacio … the Cheese Fair.
Pienza is world famous for its pecorino (sheep’s milk) cheese…a product brought here right after WW II by Sardinian immigrants.
In addition to cheese tastings, the weekend was filled with activities.
Early Saturday afternoon, the Pientini (the local soccer squad) hosted a “friendly” with the team from Torrenieri. We suffered two critical defensive lapses and lost…a gloomy omen for the upcoming season against more high-powered teams.
That night, the Pienza Chorus gave a concert honoring the work of Fabrizio di Andre, known as Italy’s “Poet of Music,” who died 25 years ago.
But the really good stuff happened on Sunday.
It started with the Sbandieratori, or flag throwers. For an explanation of what they do and how it evolved, see https://rbergson.org/sbandieratori-flag-wavers/
A brief video clip from part of their act: (Click on the full-screen button in the window below to fully appreciate their skill.)
That was followed by the main event…
…the rolling of the cheese.
Each contrada (neighborhood) in Pienza sends a team of six for what amounts to a Pientini version of horseshoes. (The closer you get to the pin, the more points you get.) For a description of how the competition works see https://rbergson.org/abbiamo-vinto-we-won/).
It’s harder than it looks since the surface of the piazza is uneven and the cheese does not roll straight. Here’s a look at how it’s done:
Our contrada, the blue triangle didn’t do so well this year.
Preserving Tradition
The town has made a concerted effort to keep these traditions alive.
The youngsters in town start early learning to participate in the pageantry.
Carol thought all the youngsters were cute, but this six-yeal-old stole her heart.
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