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From 18 - 20 February 2007, Bibbiena, Arezzo, Tuscany. The ancient festivity of the Carnival in order to carry in the public squares with joy, music, costumes and colors...

Of sure it is known, thanks to local documents and reports, than anciently to Bibbiena two antagonist group existed: one of the "Piazzolini" noble gentleman, owners of the residences and the lands of the village that carried the colors celestial white, and of the "Fondaccini", craftsmen, and peasants who wore the colors red and yellow.

According to ancient history and legend, the old town of Bibbiena was divided into upper and lower quarters where the rich lived above, and the working people populated the lower town. The Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival this gathered in order to make festivity. The older man of the group gave therefore fire to a juniper tree, so-called "Beautiful Knob" and people accord from the campaigns in order to assist to the event and to draw from the "blaze" the auspices for the next harvest.

After the bonfire they continued the festivity and celebration. In the alleys and in the main street of the town ladies and knights pass by in costume and people sing ballads of the 14th century.

The legend of the Mea

In 1359 a young girl called Mea was drawn away from her poor lover, Cecco, and forced to marry the Count's son. Cecco the tailor, showy abandoned tried to find what really happened, came to acquaintance of Fondaccio. Between the two violent fractions start fights to become true revolt from part of the Fondaccio.

The old Conte Tarlati, in order to avoid greater damages to its people called all together, to the center of the country, the two fractions, and to the presence of all, it gave back the Mea to the Fondaccio and her beloved Checco, placing therefore fine to every discord. Rendered the Mea to Cecco, in sign of rejoicing, the Pit burnt the "Knob" of the peace, with songs, dances and abundant celebration. In memory of this and other events, between legend and history, every year, the last day of Carnival, to Bibbiena, one burns the so-called "Beautiful Knob" and people coming all together in order to assist to the event and to draw from the "blaze" the auspices for the next harvest. All it ends in joy, with food and wine, to the characteristic songs.

For more information visit

• http://www.la-mea.it/main/