The Maggiolata of Lucignano

Today, instead of floats, tractors with trailers parade through the streets, on which large compositions made with thousands of fresh flowers, especially carnations, are arranged one by one on straw threads. The floats are prepared by the four city districts: Porta Murata, Via dell’Amore, Porta San Giusto, and Porta San Giovanni, who compete to win the prize for the most beautiful and spectacular creation. The Maggiolata festival is also completed by a historical procession, with armored men, drummers, and participants dressed in medieval costumes, and by a float, the municipal Carroccio, pulled by a pair of white Chianina oxen, decorated with red bows and tassels. The procession makes four laps through the town’s streets, beneath windows and balconies adorned with broom flowers. On the last lap of the second Sunday, the district members take flowers from the floats and throw them to the crowd, creating the traditional flower battle. The week between the two parades, known as the “Settimana Maggiolina“, is also full of evening events in the town squares, with folklore and entertainment shows. Once the Maggiolata is over, the streets finally host dinners organized by the four districts.