The Marino Wine Festival

Yesterday, the first Sunday of October, was the 84th annual Marino Wine Festival (Sagre dell'uva). It commemorates a Medieval occasion after the Battle of Lepanto when the fountains in the town ran with wine instead of water. Everywhere has cheap (if not free) fresh wine newly vintaged. Red and Wine it flows freely. There is a sacred procession of the Madonna, as well as a commemorative parade of costumed players who reinact the victory parade of the victor of the battle. Then at 530/6/630 (depending who you talk to, and keeping in mind nothing starts on time in Italy) the main fountain in the town (which is shaped like prisoners from the battle, literally flows with wine, from which everyone can fill their cups, bottles, jugs, etc. with new wine (which, though free--and therefore, by college definition good--was severely lacking in taste and coolness (considering is was white wine). But it was free nonetheless. I left before the "real" fun began. That is, as with any type of festival where alcohol runs freely there is bound to be a little mischief. Inevitably after a few rounds of the free wine, there is a grape fight in the main square. Ah well, at least my clothes stayed clean!