Articolo disponibile anche in: Italian

There is a village in the township of Barberino Val d’Elsa, a tiny town in the middle of the Chianti hills, whose vitality is proportionately opposite to its dimensions.

There are people who work hard for the common good, to maintain a typically “countrified” society. We are in Monsanto, a sparsely populated town, between Chianti and the Val D’Elsa. This year, from May 14-23, the Festa del SS. Crocifisso (Holy Cross Festival) will repeat itself, as it does every 5 years.

During this period one can relive ancient traditions through meetings, religious functions and events that promote the culture of the Tuscan territory. This year’s edition will be dedicated to reflection and deepening of ideas on the theme of “mercy”, in conjunction with the extraordinary Jubilee desired by Pope Francesco.

From the religious viewpoint, Sunday May 22 will be the major moment of the Festival; at 6pm a Holy Mass will be held with the historic Procession of the Holy Cross along the streets of Monsanto.

It will be led by Monsignor Andrea Bellandi, General Vicar of the diocese. In addition to the religious and meditation events of the festival, there is a calendar of events presented by “La Compagnia di Monsanto” and sponsored by the Town Union of Chianti Fiorentino.

The first appointment on Saturday , May 14 is at the Palatenda of Monsanto with the theatre company, “Il Grillo” and their “Coppia cerca Coppia” (Couple seeks Couple), The Florentine vernacular will be protagonist with an exhilarating comedy.

On Sunday, May 15, there will be the presentation of the book, “Le NonnaStrocche”, a collection of old-fashioned poems and rhymes. It will be followed, at 4:30pm, by a show for both children and adults, “Black Out”, presented by Alessandra Fantoni and Silvia Priscilla Bruni of “Extempora”.

After dinner music will be protagonist with a concert born of the collaboration of  The Public Music School of Poggibonsi and the Music Tribe of Barberino Val d’Elsa. The new band, “I Buloni” will open the show at 8:45 pm. On May 21, the variety show “Monsantissima” will have its opening night.

The company will present an old-fashioned show. Sunday, May 22, will conclude the evening music events with a show featuring great Italian music. Starting at 9:15pm the band of “I Cdj” will present the most beautiful Italian songs of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s with a show of light rock.

There will be dancing until fireworks, scheduled for 11pm, are presented. The members of the Vespa Club Valdelsa will be guests of the final evening. All shows are free and don’t need reservations. Food stands will be available on Saturday and Sunday. For information and the complete program see the site www.compagniadimonsanto.it or send an email to info@compagniadimonsanto.it.