The origins of the festival of Calendimaggio which takes place in Assisi, are to be found among the ancient customs of many different peoples (celebrations of Maia and Flora) and in the medieval tradition of celebrating the arrival of Spring in early May (Kalende di Maggio). A more recent historical background to the festival is provided by the long-standing rivalry between the "Upper" and the "Lower" parts (14th century). The festival opens with the cerimonial handing over of the Keys of the City to the Master of the Field by the Mayor, who thus confers on him supreme authority for the duration of the celebrations. A livery contest of medieval games decides wich of the lovely young damsels will be the Festival Queen, for the champion obtains the privilege of proclaming his Lady "Madonna Primavera". In her honour the flag-wavers then put on an elegant display of their skill and the Minstrels sing come Troubadour songs. After the challenge and acceptance have been read out in the unforgettable setting provided by the Piazza del Comune with its beautiful Temple of Minerva and Medieval Civic Tower, the Magnificent "Parte de Sotto" and the Right Noble "Parte de Sopra" became a bloodless combat. It almost seems as though the costumed figures which throng the narrow streets and the squares, had stepped down from the frescoed walls of the Basilicas and the Jesters' clowning and the delightful dances are accompanied by the sound of lutes and serenades and exquisite choral song, and illuminated by the fickering torchlights. The "encounters" between the opposing sides take place in the majestic arena of the Piazza del Comune in a gorgeus spectacle of colour and a flurry of banners. During the procession, the degnified and stately progress of the nobles alternates with the clamourous arrival of the joyful commoners, and the interspersed with the jesting of the Fools, the music of the Minstrels and singers, the shrill notes of the clarions and the roll of the drums. In addition, each side has in store a number of ingenious surprises with which to capture the envy of their opponents and, perhaps even proovke them into replyng in some equally derisory fashion. On the final evening it is the choirs of both sides who "do battle" amid a hushed crowd of appreciative spectators. There follows the anxious wait for the verdict of the panel of judges and the awarding of then "Palio".