Here we are yet again at the not-so-traditional and rather mad End-of-Summer Panicale event.
The temperature has dropped, the sun is shining and the air is sparkling. And just like at the end of a heavy day, you take that long sigh of relief, and, why not, have that glass of wine. Though called “La Festa dell'Uva”, the Grape Festival, to celebrate the end of the harvest of the grapes, it should be called “La Festa del Vino” as it is really dedicated to Bacchus, and, is infact, all about wine. Though far more religious and traditional in its origins (in the twenties) the well-sought after event has adapted to its times and to its inhabitants. So, on one side, we have the open cellars where you can taste a variety of DOC wines of the Trasimeno hills, and, on the other side, you can stand and watch the trully wacky floats circle around the walls. Glasses keep getting filled with the wizardy nectar and the end is inevitable for its intoxicated victims.
Why this irrepressible attraction? The subconcious (or conscious) desire to escape from those society-compelled chains that one wears like gloves; that impelling need to breathe without the oppressing mask of “how we should be”... the tempting ruby liquid helps us to slowly slide into that tenebrous abyss without limits. Darkness but clarity too - in vino veritas, in wine there is truth... and the truth gushes while the wine flows and there is no end.
Pity really, that in today's society an external measure is needed to liberate what is being smothered inside; that some people can only relate with the help of the amazing power of eloquence that derives from this magic red potion. Wouldn't it be so much easier if we could all just simply be what we are, even if that means appearing a little “original” in the eyes of others? Folly does come in many forms and the most common is that found in the uniqueness of being oneself. Well, good old Pirandello did say “the only ways to escape from life are madness and irony”, and I must say that Panicale doesn't lack either! Cheers.