It was a bright Friday morning, when the daring Pacianesi, a motley crew of locals and stranieri, congregated at the Church of Maria Della Stella. Their mission was of great importance: they were to venture to Cervaro and create a floral masterpiece in the likeness of San Francesco during the National Infiorata of Cervaro. To accomplish this feat, they had secured a bus – one that had certainly seen better days, but it held a certain tacky charm that made it a perfect fit for the adventurous spirit of the group.
The morning air was filled with excitement and anticipation as they loaded their equipment, suitcases, and plenty of enthusiasm into the bus. The space was tight, the seating was worn, but their spirits remained undeterred. As the bus rumbled to life, they set off towards their first destination, the medieval city of Anagni, famously known for its Medieval version of the Sistine Chapel.
However, as fate would have it, their journey was not without its challenges. The bus, in all its antiquated glory, chose the worst moment to assert its age – right in the middle of a traffic jam. The engine sputtered, coughed, and then fell silent, leaving the Pacianesi stranded in the center lane as traffic began to move around them.
There was a moment of panic, a collective intake of breath as they faced the prospect of their journey ending before it had truly begun. It was at this moment, the ever-hungry Maurizio, who was well-known for his insatiable appetite for good pastasciutta, took matters into his own hands. With a determined look on his face, Maurizio stepped out of the bus, opened the bonnet, and did something no one was expecting. He made a sign of the cross over the engine, as if blessing the stubborn mechanical beast.
And then, in a turn of events that could only be described as a miracle, the engine roared back to life, its steady hum a testament to the power of faith, or perhaps Maurizio’s innate mechanical intuition. Their journey resumed with a newfound sense of camaraderie and a story they would surely tell for years to come.
Finally, they arrived in Anagni. The town, known as the “City of Popes”, revealed its medieval charm with winding cobbled streets, beautiful stone houses, and a palpable sense of history. The group was led by their guide to the imposing Boniface VIII Palace, a significant site with a scandalous past.
As the group rested their travel-weary legs in the shadow of the palace, the guide began to weave the story of the infamous ‘Outrage of Anagni’ that occurred right within these ancient walls. In the year 1303, Pope Boniface VIII, a native of Anagni, was captured and supposedly slapped by Sciarra Colonna, an event that sparked a diplomatic crisis and led to the Pope’s death shortly afterwards. The tale, recounted with gusto, gave them a vivid glimpse into the palace’s tumultuous past.
After that intriguing tale, they moved towards the Crypt of San Magno, often referred to as the “Medieval Sistine Chapel”. The guide explained that the crypt, with its extensive 13th-century frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, was a hidden gem that had been preserved in remarkable condition.
Inside the crypt, the group was awestruck by the vibrant frescoes covering the walls and ceiling. The vivid colors, intricate details, and the stories they told were captivating, transporting them back to a time when the medieval world was deeply intertwined with spiritual devotion.
As they stood beneath the frescoes, the guide pointed out the most significant scenes, including the Last Judgment, the Crucifixion, and the life of Christ. With each explained scene, the crypt’s nickname, “Medieval Sistine Chapel”, felt more and more fitting.
The visit to Anagni, with its rich history and beautiful frescoes, was an unforgettable experience for the group. As they departed, they carried with them not only the visual splendor of the Crypt of San Magno but also the intriguing tale of the Outrage of Anagni, the echoes of which still resonate in the town’s ancient walls.
The group’s journey continued to Cervaro, a small town in the province of Frosinone. As they arrived at the event location, they were greeted by the sight of the surrounding verdant hills and the distant mountain peaks. The idyllic setting was perfect for their work, and they quickly set about unloading the equipment, their excitement palpable.
With the day’s work done, the team made their way to their accommodations. Some of the older members fondly reminisced about their previous stay in a luxurious 5-star hotel, extolling the virtues of its plush interiors, exquisite cuisine, and impeccable service. The memories of that beautiful experience filled the group with anticipation as they approached their hotel.
However, as they pulled up to the hotel, they realized it was not the opulent establishment from their past visit. Instead, they were faced with an aging building, its once bright facade faded by time and weather. The grandeur they had anticipated was replaced by an ambiance of neglect, a stark contrast to their previous lodgings.
The interior was no better. The rooms were stuffy and cramped, adorned with outdated decor and furnished with single beds that creaked with the slightest movement. A musty smell permeated the air, hinting at years of wear and tear.
The worst part, however, was the water. It was undrinkable, tainted with an unpleasant sulfurous odor that filled the room every time a tap was turned on. The smell was overpowering, further dampening their spirits.
Despite the disappointing accommodations, the team remained optimistic. They had come to Cervaro for a purpose, and they weren’t going to let a substandard hotel dampen their spirits. They joked about the hotel’s shortcomings, finding humor in their predicament, and vowed to make the best of the situation.
After settling into their not-so-luxurious accommodations, the group ventured out for dinner. Their venue was an unusual one: a large, repurposed space that used to be a Spar supermarket. The place was buzzing with life now, filled with other groups from all over the country. The sounds of chatter, laughter, and the clinking of wine glasses filled the space, imbuing it with the warm, festive atmosphere of a traditional Italian party.
But the real highlight of the evening was, unsurprisingly, the food. The first course was a delicious pastasciutta, lovingly prepared by the local Infiorata group. As soon as it was served, one could see the face of Maurizio, the group’s infamous pasta aficionado, light up like a kid on Christmas morning. He was so enamored with the dish that he ordered not one, not two, but three hefty portions. With each bite, his smile widened, and by the time he polished off his third plate, he looked like the happiest man on Earth.
The rest of the evening was filled with laughter and joy, thanks in part to Philip, the group’s photographer. Philip had discovered a filter on his camera that made people look much younger, which led to a hilarious photoshoot. The older folks in the group couldn’t get enough of this filter, constantly requesting Philip for more pictures to show off their rejuvenated selves on Facebook and to their families.
Eventually, the time came for everyone to retire for the night. The group knew they had to get a good night’s sleep, for they had a big day ahead. The next morning, they were to create one of the largest flower carpets they’d ever made. The magnitude of the task was daunting, but their spirits were high.
True to their resolve, practically everyone was present when the bus arrived to pick them up at 6 AM. Sleepy but excited, they piled into the bus, ready to take on the day’s challenge.
Bright and early, they arrived at their assigned spot on the street, ready to transform the tarmac into a stunning work of art. Teams from all over the country were there, each setting up in their designated spots, their designs in hand.
There was a vast array of designs, each as beautiful and unique as the group that created it. Some designs were religious, inspired by faith and devotion, while others were more secular, drawing on the beauty of nature or the vibrancy of everyday life. But regardless of the subject, all the designs had one thing in common: they were to be made entirely of natural materials, with flowers being the primary medium.
As the flowers were delivered to each group’s location, the Paciano team split into two. A group of members started meticulously cutting and picking the petals off the flowers, sorting them into bowls according to color and type. This was a laborious process, requiring patience and a keen eye for detail.
Meanwhile, the other group started laying the petals onto the design, transforming it from a mere sketch on the street into a vibrant, colorful masterpiece.
What was truly beautiful about the process was the camaraderie and teamwork displayed by the group members. The older, more experienced members took the newer ones under their wing, guiding them through the process and offering words of encouragement. Under their watchful eyes, the inexperienced members quickly picked up the ropes, contributing significantly to the progress of the carpet.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with the hum of voices, the rustling of petals, and the spirit of cooperative creativity. Despite the hard work and long hours, the smiles on everyone’s faces were a testament to the joy they found in the process.
Just as the team was hitting their stride, the skies began to darken. The once sunny day turned cloudy, and the air became heavy with the promise of rain. However, the organizing team had prepared for this eventuality. Swiftly, they began setting up waterproof covers, securing them with ropes tied to the trees lining the street. Sandbags were also set up at the top of the sloping street, a necessary measure to protect the lower-lying areas.
The wind started to pick up, but luckily, it was not too strong. Had it been otherwise, it could have wreaked havoc on the delicate floral designs. And then it came: the downpour. It was a torrential rain, one that lasted for almost two hours and threatened to wash away all the hard work.
Every team sprang into action, doing everything they could to protect their carpets. Plastic film was hastily draped over the designs, while people held up the waterproof covers, preventing pools of water from forming and cascading onto the carpets.
Our friends from Paciano were no exception. With sticks and brooms, they deftly guided the threatening pools of water away from their design. Some team members were constantly running around the borders of the carpet, pushing water off from the sides. It was a frenzied dance, a delicate balancing act between chaos and order.
And amidst all this, an unexpected miracle occurred. Under the protective plastic film, the Paciano team managed to finish their design. Giovana, the leader of the group, with a smile that could outshine the sun itself, pulled out bottles of prosecco from nowhere. Plastic cups were filled to the brim, and a toast was made, a toast to their success, to their resilience, to their unity.
Even under the heavy downpour, under the makeshift waterproof covers, their faces lit up with joy and pride. They had finished their work despite the odds, proving yet again the strength of their spirit.
As the torrential rains eased and the air cleared, the scene that unfolded was a testament to the sheer will and resilience of the carpet artists. Many of them had successfully safeguarded their carpets from the destructive downpour, creating beautiful masterpieces that drew the attention and admiration of tourists once the sun came out again. There were also carpets that bore the brunt of the rain, partially destroyed but in the process of being restored, while some were unfortunately washed away.
The evening was filled with camaraderie and joy. The group convened at the repurposed supermarket for a last dinner. The menu featured pastasciutta once again, bringing immense joy to a certain someone in the group. After another night spent in uncomfortable beds and enduring showers with the oddly scented water, the group was ready to head back home to Paciano.
However, there was one more stop to be made. They made their way to the remarkable Montecassino Abbey, a spiritual and cultural reference point that was a must-visit. The Montecassino Abbey, founded by Saint Benedict in 529, is one of the most known abbeys in the world. Over the centuries, it has weathered adversities, destruction, and multiple restorations. Today, it stands tall, a symbol of resilience, embodying the Benedictine Rule of Ora et Labora (Pray and Work).
The Abbey is a majestic spectacle, perched on a rocky hill, and home to Benedictine monks who continue the spiritual life of Montecassino. Despite its turbulent past, the Abbey is a beacon of tranquility and serenity, its presence lending an aura of peace to the surrounding areas. The group was enthralled by the beauty of the Abbey, the Basilica, and the museum, which houses a rich collection that tells the story of the Abbey and its journey through the centuries.
The visit to the Montecassino Abbey was the perfect ending to their adventure, an experience that left them awestruck and deeply moved. The parallels between the Abbey’s history of destruction and restoration and their own experience with the carpets were not lost on them. Just as they had worked tirelessly to protect and restore their carpets, the Abbey too had been restored after facing destruction, standing as a testament to resilience and the power of restoration. With hearts filled with wonderful memories and a newfound appreciation for their cultural heritage, they finally made their way back home to Paciano.
Paciano Tales 
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