On May 19, third Sunday of the month, in Acquapendente, the Madonna del Fiore is celebrated with a series of performances culminating in the in the exhibition of the Pugnaloni.
The Pugnaloni – Enrico Ferri
These works of art originated from a very important event occurred in Acquapendente, back in 1166, when the population freed itself from the yoke of the tyrannic Governor Federico I Barbarossa. According to legend, two farmers saw a dry cherry tree bloom again. The people from Acquapendente interpreted this miracle as a sign of divine protection. After the tyrant expulsion, as a sign of gratitude, the mid-May Festival was established.
Acquapendente: Pugnaloni, detail
The Pugnalone is a symbol of victorious freedom from every kind of oppression and represents the evolution of the centuries-old pungolo (goad), an ancient agricultural tool adorned with flowers, that farmers carried to procession during the Feast of the Madonna del Fiore. Today, sumptuous panels with elaborate mosaics of leaves and flower petals are displayed. The project and execution of the sketch, as well as the search for the materials to create the different nuances, require the participation of many people.
Today, the Pugnaloni are no longer agricultural tools, but gorgeous giant panels realized with flower petals and leaves, parading before the procession of the Madonna del Fiore. At the end of the celebrations, the mosaics are displayed in the Cattedrale del Santo Sepolcro, where they will be closely guarded throughout the year.