The medieval Ludika festival began yesterday in the San Pellegrino quarter here in Viterbo. Before attending the festival, I was given a little historic background on Ludika and why it is celebrated. I learned that the reason why behind this celebration is due to a famous battle that broke out between the emperor and the pope in 1243. What I found surprising was that the battle took place right here in Viterbo. Given this small backstory about Ludika, I decided to check it out for the first time and be a part of what makes this festival so meaningful and significant to Viterbo.
Having the opportunity to attend Ludika exceeded any expectations I even had. The festival had everything I could imagine starting from street artists, live music, food vendors, pop up shops, reenactments, games, plays, a blink circus, and a booth where you can dress up as your favorite medieval character. The more I walked around Ludika helped exposed me to the town’s medieval atmosphere. Strolling around the unique and different booths that were surrounded by locals, made me feel happy and just as excited as them because of their willingness to embrace their culture and be a part of this important event that marked history. I was also impressed by the diverse and stunning costumes that were worn during the medieval times, but most of all of how many people were showcasing their favorite medieval gear. It was amazing for me to see the pride and joy that all the attendees had throughout Ludika because it helped carry on the festival.
Having the warmth welcome of the attendees and being able to witness the culture and traditions that took place during 1243, allowed me to see, experience, and become more culturally aware. It was great to feel that no matter if I wasn’t a local and this was my first time attending Ludika there was something new for me to do and experience. For example, I was able to attend the “Finale di Partita” (Endgame) by Samuel Beckett. What was interesting was that this play was all in Italian, but I didn’t care that it wasn’t in English; instead I was happy that the whole play was in Italian because I was able to put my Italian skills to the test. It was nice to be able to sit down, listen, and grasp some of the Italian words and phrases that I have learned so far. Even though I wasn’t able to quickly follow or grasp all the words that were spoken in the dialogue, I was able to get out of my comfort zone and embrace the Ludika celebration.
Selyna Bermudez: sono una studentessa dell’Università del Nevada, Las Vegas. Il mio indirizzo è il giornalismo con studi sui media e sui servizi umani. Questa estate sto studiando in Italia a Viterbo con USAC. Ho scelto una piccola città, per vivere la tranquillità e le bellezze che offre. Essere una parte di essa mi permetterà di esplorare la mia scrittura e dare voce a ciò che vedo. Sono felice di iniziare questo viaggio straordinario di scrittura!
