Pick-up Games

Before we left for Milan, the folks in town had already started up the calcetto championships. For those who don't remember (probably everyone!), calcetto is a form of mini-soccer played on a small court (often inside) by five per side (six including the goalie).

Well. Our local sparks decided last year that the Piazza would be a great place to host a calcetto tournament of the local areas pitted against each other. We had groups from little outlying hamlets (not even large enough to be considered towns), as well as neighborhoods from within Todi.

Some of the groups just amazed us with their ability to form not only a team, but a fan base as well! They came in uniforms that they had managed to drum up (probably at the last minute) thanks to their sponsors (again drummed up at the last minute), banners, color-coordinated smoke rockets, cheerleaders, the works! It was hilarious to see, I have to confess.

The games typically started around 9 p.m., after dinner, and lasted until 11:30 or so. Bear in mind that the heat has arrived, so it is a very sensible schedule, particularly considering that most of the participants work during the day.

Last night was the final set of matches; the first determined third and fourth places, and the second match (ending after midnight, I think) was for first and second places. The piazza was full to capacity, local bars were selling more gelato than you can shake a stick at, and the energy was just amazing.

The lower sign is "Beverly Ilci" like "Beverly Hills"

The bumblebee to the right sells us fruit and veg down in the village

There was a good bit of gesturing over this foul

Oh, forgot to mention...there was also a road race one evening...
AROUND the soccer field. Foot traffic was rather inhibited for a while.

Barricades had to be moved around and set up

Oh, and the Vespa club just HAD to participate...so we had a cavalcade of scooters, as well.

I don't have good photos of the night time crowds because my camera wasn't up to the challenge. Sorry about that! Take it from me that the spaces were PACKED.

And this morning, take-down!

I loved the truck with the side crane

It picked up the carpet...then rotated it to the OTHER side of the truck!

Because they wanted to put it in the van!!

The truck belongs to the local rescue organization

Love,

Alexandra