Montesenario benediction
Montesenario benediction is one of the most loved traditions in Italy and italians are also very superstitious. If an Italian rider sees a black cat crossing the street, he will probably stop as soon as possible and wait for a car to pass before himself. This way, the bad luck (that can produce an accident!) that the cat brings to the first one to cross “it’s line” goes to the car and not to the rider.
Following these popular beliefs, it is a tradition for Tuscan riders to get on their motorcycle on January 1st, facing the cold, the snow, the wind and the rain (in an heroic and very dangerous ride), to reach the Montesenario Convent in a mount near Pratolino (around 15 km from Florence). In this yearly event, the Monk of the Convent will pass in front of all the motorcycles throwing holy water to them: this way the motorcycle will be “safe and lucky” for all the year.
On this event we can find all kind of riders and bikes. From elderly men with old classic motorcycles to young fellows with their brand new Japanese bikes full of electronic. The Monk, the destiny, and the road make no differences, we all need to be blessed…
