I love the archery completion held each year in Bagni di Lucca. The competitors dress in medieval costume and fire up their crossbows for a day of competition and fun. It is great to watch.
This year it will be held in Contessa Casalini Park in La Villa, Bagni di Lucca, instead of Villa Ada. I really liked it in the gorgeous grounds of Villa Ada, but it will be more accessible in the park in the centre of town.
Here are some photos from previous years.
I am sorry I won’t be here this year to see it, but you should all make sure you are there.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
So many Medieval faces here,especially that man in the pale hessian looking hood.
This looks like great fun! It’s too bad you won’t be here for this year’s competition. Thanks for the info!
It is a pity that you are not going to be here, Deb. This year will be very important to both of us, Rafael has joined the “balestrieri” and is training with them every Tuesday at the local school… Plus his own practice at the mill, so keep away! He has a very basic costume, which he will improve on for next year. In my case, I will be there helping those who do not speak Italian and do not know much about the history of these crossbow competitions, in English, French and Spanish. This year I do not have a costume, but next year I will wear one. I strongly recommend anyone to join the Vicaria Val di Lima. It is a great way to integrate and interact with locals and who are welcoming and eager to have more members. The other day I met Virgilio Contrucci, their historian ( he is the guy in red and white, with a feather in his cap and a black ribbon on his arm) and he is a fantastic source of information. I am learning lots of things real fast. But the most important thing is that we are enjoying every minute of it.
Thank you, i hope to hear more. Hopefully in a month time… Keeping my fingers crossed!
A festival I would enjoy … maybe some day.
I LOVE the costumes! It looks like an amazing event – the Italians certainly love any excuse to dress up! 🙂
Wont miss!