And the winner is…..

Del Verziere! Del Verziere! Del Verziere! Del Verziere! 

Although I'm sure the news has gone global by now, our rione, Del Verziere has won the 2009 Palio della Santa Spina.
The winner was announced Saturday night,  the piazza erupted and the party went on all night long. Sunday we all dressed up yet again and had the huge procession or corteo through town that climaxes with our priest displaying the Holy Thorn which was brought to Montone by Fortebraccio.   It also meant walking around town in scorching heat wearing more upholstery fabric than most of us have on our couches. And tonight is the victory party back up at the Taverna. More food, more wine, more feasting, more laughter. It's good to be the winner!!

For anyone wishing to see  photos of the Donazione della Santa Spina, I invite you to take a look at my Flickr gallery. Honestly, it's like being asked to sit through someone's wedding video…but for those of us passionate about Montone, have fun!