I’ve moved north, from Casalbordino, in the Abruzzo region. I’m staying with an old grad school friend, in Bevagna. The small village is in the Umbria region of Italy.

Currently, Bevagna is hosting its annual medieval festival, “Mercato delle Gaite”. Over the next ten days, there will be lots of medieval fun, with workshops, taverns, and archery, as the village is transported back in time to the 14th century.

The Mercato delle Gaite festival highlights the medieval division of Bevagna (PG) into four districts. Each district has its own flag. During the festival, the four areas will compete to be chosen as the best recreation of village life.

All day and night, it’s common to see locals dressed in costumes, walking around the village. Often, there’s drumming and at other times bagpipes can be heard. The grandstand is placed in front of the San Silvestro Church, near the famed second century public bathhouse.

Yesterday, we had lunch in one of the dining areas. It was packed and offered seating both indoors and out. There was a staff of young teenagers, dressed in costumes. Our server was the only one willing to take on an American with limited knowledge of Italian.

Luckily, my friend and her husband live in the village and both know Italian. They began the process to retire here, back in 2017. There are a few other Americans living just outside of the wall.

I went with the grilled pork and a jug of water. There was also a sweet and sour pork dish, pasta, antipasto, and vegetables. Later, we had a nice dinner, at a local restaurant. On the way home, we stopped to watch a juggling act.

All in all, it’s been wonderful to spend time in this area of Italy and to reconnect with my friend! XOXO—GGT