Traditional historical re-enactment in costume of the entry of Patriarch von Randeck which took place in Cividale del Friuli in 1366.
January 6th for Cividale del Friuli is not only the feast of the Epiphany, but a day in which an event is held which attracts crowds of tourists and curious people from beyond the border, the Mass of the Spadone.
In fact, on that date, one of the most original religious rites that the Roman Church has preserved and a careful historical re-enactment catapult the Lombard city back in time, to the 14th century, reconstructing an important fragment of Cividale’s history .
The religious rite of the Mass of the Spadone and the historical procession through the streets of the city have their origins in the ancient ceremony with which the Patriarch of Aquileia, but resident in Cividale, was awarded political power, military and civil by the emperor.
Following, the Historical re-enactment of the entry of Patriarch Marquardo von Randeck which took place in Cividale in 1366.
The solemn liturgy and the historical procession
The Mass of the Spadone is a ceremony borrowed from the Germanic world that combines liturgical forms of the ancient Aquileise-Cividale Church of the 12th century with a political and civil ritual of imperial derivation.
Since that distant 1366 this rite is still celebrated on the day of the Epiphany.
It is one of the most singular and evocative liturgical rites that the Church has preserved. The nickname “of the broadsword” derives from the fact that, during the liturgical ceremony, a sword appears, belonging to Patriarch Marquard of Randeck, which the Deacon uses, at various times, raising it and cutting the air as a sign of greeting or blessing when he addresses the clergy positioned in the choir and the faithful.
The historical procession
Immediately after the Mass of the Spadone, the historical procession takes place with over 200 participants in rigorous medieval costumes, which faithfully reproduce clothes of the time, both in colors and models.
During the day it is possible to attend blade weapon duels, street shows, listen to medieval music and witness glimpses of past life, such as the dressing of a knight; all in a wonderful medieval setting.
The event gathers a large number of enthusiasts also coming from neighboring Austria and Slovenia.
WHEN
This event generally takes place every year on January 6
Event Type: Free
For information, dates and events, visit the site indicated at the end of the article
The reported events may be subject to changes or cancellations.
It is always advisable to inquire in advance to confirm the event and the dates
The Patriarch returns – Mass of the Broadsword
Cividale del Friuli (Udine)
Friuli V.G. – Italy