Palio della Rana 2007

800 x 637 image uploaded at TrekEarth.com

Fermignano, Pesaro-Urbino (Le Marche) — Ready? Set? Go!! The image above speaks for itself as we took off for an extended weekend to witness the 43rd Palio della Rana in the region of Le Marche. This was a first for us, and also for Maddie the westie in attending a grand event not primarily associated with food. How is that? Well, with historical reenactments playing such an important role in italian culture, the 'Race of the Frog' makes a trip back in time as the origins go way back as 1607. Le Marche is known for their olive all'ascolana (stuffed olives) and truffles among other things, but is also home to Antonello and Jackie of Allora, Aspetta. Since this happened to be my first meeting of another american expat residing in Italy, I have to say that everything was made even more enjoyable by being in their company. About time that I met a fellow blogger!

Medieval costumes, falcons, fire eaters, and food...

Upon nearing the environs of Fermignano, bright yellow banner announcements heralded the impending frog race which included a variety of activities held during a 3-day period (13th - 15th). Food booths organized by each of the competing contrada (district) sold plates of everything from polenta with porcini, pasta with wild boar sauce, fried frog legs (naturally), or tripe just to name a few. We supported contrada L'Agostina by sampling their rane in porchetta which tasted of frog, herbs and garlic, yet had nothing to do with pork. It could have been chicken for all I knew --- there's a lot of tiny bones in them things but delicious all the same. Unfortunately for L'Agostina, contrada La Torre came out the winner in the end. I do believe they were serving maccheroncini with ragu — no froggies.

The actual competition occurred on Sunday, otherwise known as the Domenica in Albis, or Sunday after Easter. Beginning at a distance and culminating into a wild and frantic dash toward the central hub of Piazza Garibaldi, seven districts divided into two age groups participated in the 170-meter course (186 yards) that stretched along the main street of via M. Liberta. There was a good crowd in attendance but not so much as to make it impossible to scout positions for better photo-ops. Our initial stakeout was right smack next to the judging area where they had a veterinarian inspecting and giving the frogs a clean bill of health before the race. Funny thing is that the prospective contestants were kept in these enormous bottles for storing wine? Had they been really swimming "in the juice", no way would the pond dwellers have passed a breathalizer test. Jackie and I were able to rip through a bunch of shots so check her blog to see more images on the Palio.


Of all the photos that I took, the video below captures the real thrill of it all. Not so much for the obvious action (although it's a riot to watch), but because if you listen closely, Maddie barks in the background at all the excitement. For a split-second she appears onscreen, probably in hopes of nabbing a runaway amphibian but rest assured, Kermit's kin were quickly scooped up and back on the speedway before she could utter a RUFF!

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Update from jackie: Froggers Unite!

Howzit Rowena - It sounds like you had a great weekend! Good eats, good company and the excitement of the frog race. Yes, I heard & saw Maddie in there! How great that you met your expat blogger friend. See you later,
barbara | Homepage | 04.23.07 - 10:13 am

What an interesting site--I'm so glad I stumbled upon it. I'm looking forward to reading more about the growth of your garden and about your adventures living in Italy.
Christina | Homepage | 04.22.07 - 7:26 pm

I love Urbino. Perched on that cliff top - gorgeous. And those steep little streets...one of my favourite towns.
Anna | Homepage | 04.22.07 - 1:50 pm

The race movie is hilarious! The very concept of guys running around pushing a big cart with a teeny little hopping frog is really funny. The action photo on top is gorgeous.
Sandy | Homepage | 04.20.07 - 7:09 pm

That looks like so much fun! I love the video, you're right, it really captures the energy of the event.
Ari (Baking and Books) | Homepage | 04.20.07 - 12:36 am

I'm starting to think that Maddie is real person and not a dog, hehe... She must be a great joy to have around and we need to see more pictures of her! =)
Kathy | Homepage | 04.19.07 - 11:45 pm

Looks like a blast and sure sounds like Maddie had fun! So the frogs get to ride the whole way?
Cathy | Homepage | 04.19.07 - 5:16 am

The video was SOO great -- scoopin' up the frogs! And the pics are fantastic, rowena! What a great event to attend! It was so fun to finally get to meet you too...i hope to get more of my photos online VERY SOON! Like i said, next year we should be the first GIRLS to participate!
jackie | Homepage | 04.18.07 - 7:33 pm

The festival looks like it was so much fun! And for some reason, I am totally entertained by watching those guys scooping up the frogs every time they fall off. I am sitting in my cubicle at work, laughing out loud.
Natalie | Homepage | 04.18.07 - 6:49 pm