melissa grace kreider

Piazza Santa Croce-the ring. I am not a sports fan. I do not like watching baseball, and don't even get me started on American football. However, when my roommates informed me of Calcio Storico, I HAD to go. This ancient tradition of Calcio Storico has been taking place since the 5th Century as a way to test troops on their strength and endurance. Four districts from across Florence (that's right-districts. Hunger Games, anyone?) play two preliminary matches and then the final match. Yesterday, June 16th, Team Bianchi (Santo Spirito-my town) and Team Verdi (San Giovanni-somehwere that isn't as great as Santo Spirito ;D).

After 5 months, Santo Spirito is close to my heart. Go, go, Bianchi!

The opposing team's fans.

Now, the game is supposed to be soccer (our soccer, their football), but it's more like rugby...with no rules. Which means this can happen:

...and this.

oh, yeah, and this:

It was probably the most excited I've ever gotten about sports...ever. It could have been the mixture of my deep-rooted love for Santo Spirito and really attractive men covered in tattoos and dirt (judge me), but I loved it. It was also fantastic to experience a true Italian tradition carried into the 21st Century.

The best news?! Team Bianchi won! We rule.

Final score-9 to 2. If I could go to the next two games, I totally would, but funds are low and I'm lucky enough to have gone to this one! It was one of the best days I've had here.

Ciao for now,

-m.