MAROSTICA CHESS GAME

PJ and I were able to buy tickets to the Marostica chess game this past September. It is only held once every two years and is played using human [and live animal] pieces on the chess board that is located in front the lower castle. 

The story states that two men fell in love with a woman named Lionara, who was the daughter of Taddeo Parisio [the lord of Marostica]. Taddeo did not want the men to joust for his daughters hand in marriage, instead he wanted them to play in a contest that revolved around chess. I suppose neither was truly a loser, as the loser of the game won the hand of his other daughter, Oldrada. 

The game is still held in front of the lower castle and there are fireworks and people dressed up in traditional costumes.