Gubio: Italian Сrossbow Festival

A case with the Italian city Gubio when in 1511g it's troops were surrounded by the 11 neighboring city-states.
According to legend, Bishop Ubaldo Balsadini at his own expense armed all residents with crossbows, taught shooting, organizing the defense of pride, and thus saved from capture and plunder. Bishop for his civic deed was later canonized, and Gubio in memory of this sow day each spring, the first Sunday in May, holds a competitions in shooting of crossbows. They turn into a massive celebration, and its organizers put up a great effort to resurrect the atmosphere of the medieval city.
Participants in the competition have Strict requirements for the historicity of the costumes and crossbows, so is the firing of a fairly exact copies of 16th century fortress crossbows. Characteristic carved stock is 1,5 m or so in length, with a "knob" on the back end, large steel plates, including the top(rail), a very peculiar attachment of the prod...

Here are some pics from the festivals of 2004 and 2006.





And, interestingly, involves not only the secular citizens. This monk - is a real monk, the religious, not in fancy dress up (now that is the man who has no need in authentic historical costume) And the bow he has is beautiful ...



It"s my favorite vintage - photos of the 60's:



And earlier RETRO:

Found a few familiar faces... The better quality is still to be wished for.

Thanks for Posting Ivo

This looks like a great festival. Those cross bows look very authentic.
I wonder if any of the bows from the old/retro photos are in the new photos and video as well.

Like a lot of things they don't grow old like we do.

Peter

All thanks to Mr SAM.

I've learned lots of interesting things from the man about medieval crossbow from various time periods...to me he is like Tod from Tod's Stuff, like David from New World Arbalest, like Matuls of Poland.

It will certainly be an interesting trip and perhaps even a chance to participate in this tournament if one's skill and craftsmanship is great enough.

Apologies Sam. I thought Ivo posted this.