The Legend of Mea

Saturday and Sunday in Bibbiena the Legend of Mea brings back the city to ancient times.

A bit of history

In 1337 Bibbiena, small town in Casentino, was divided into two districts: Rione Piazzolini, taking its name from the Piazza Piazzolina, and Rione Fondaccini, in the lower part of the city. The Piazziolini district was famous for its beautiful and rich buildings, while Fondaccini district was famous for its beautiful girls and women.

The charming laundress Mea lived in Rione Fondaccini and was going to be married to Cecco, a young weaver. One day she was coming back home with the laundry when she met the handsome Tarlati, young son of the Count Piero. They felt in love at first sight.

Cecco left alone before the wedding discovered the love affair; the entire Fondaccini was in an uproar, while the Piazziolini protected the young Tarlati. Soon the two districts started fighting each other.

The old Count Piero called all the people in the main square and decided that Mea should go back with Cecco leaving Tarlati in order to stop the fights. To celebrate the recovered peace they burned the “Pomo of peace“, a large juniper, while singing and dancing.

The Festival today

The Legend of Mea takes place on Saturday and Sunday August 4th and 5th, when Bibbiena goes back to the Middle Ages. On both days there is a nice medieval market, artisans at work, special openings of historical buildings and free guided tours.

From 4 pm all around the streets music and dances, as well as flag-throwers show. On Sunday afternoon at 5pm the concert in the Cloister of San Lorenzo and then at 6pm falconry show.

Entrance to all events is free. For more information visit the official website of Legend of Mea.