OFFAGNA (part II): Even the warriors were bored

DAVE MAIALETTI WAS skeptical all along.

He hates Renaissance Festivals back home. He figured he would hate the famed Medieval Festival in Offagna, too.

But I made him go. I promised there would be fireworks.

So we went to Offanga and watched jousting, archery competitions, mandolin playing and flag throwing. Honestly, it was pretty lame. Like Disneyland lame.

The crowd sat in steel bleachers, far removed from the action. We could barely see anything.

But we knew we would be able to see the fireworks from just about anywhere. And the thought of the colors illuminating the 15th century castle were enough to keep us interested (plus we paid 8 Euro to get into the city, and 2 Euro for parking).

The archery competition dragged and dragged and was followed by sword fighting and then speeches.

By midnight, more than an hour after the fireworks were scheduled, there were no fireworks.

So we left. Disappointed.

"Now I know," Dave said. "I hate Renaissance Festivals back home and Medieval Festivals in Italy."

- G. Miller

(the Medieval Festival in Offagna is an annual event happening during the third week in July)