WTI Magazine #26    2014 Apr, 18
Author : folclore.it      Translation by:

Franchises de Nus is a weekend of celebrations in Nus, Aosta, to commemorate and celebrate the relief granted to the town in 1296.

Nus is a town rich of history, of Roman origin, located at nine miles from Aosta, on the Via Francigena. In the Middle Ages it was the seat of one of the most important noble families in the Valle d'Aosta, who administered the territory on behalf of the Savoy.

It dates back to April 26, 1296 the granting of freedom that the gentlemen gave to the inhabitants of the village, with aspects of avant-garde for its time, in exchange for their loyalty in the event of war and the promise of defending the village and of financial help to pay for incidentals of war.

Seven hundred years later, in 1996, Nus started to organize a feast to remember and celebrate the event, in the last weekend of April: every year since then, the Feast of Franchises de Nus is expected with enthusiasm by a curious and amused audience.

The program of Franchises de Nus, which lasts three days, is very rich: it involves historical re-enactment of the "Charte de Franchises", the tournament sword heraldry, the large craft market, itinerant medieval dinners, medieval shows, musicians, drums and a great historical parade with over 500 participants.

An event not to be missed in the heart of the small and charming Valle d'Aosta, in the northwestern part of Italy just at the border with France.