According to legend, St. Francis of Assisi used to walk through the streets of Assisi, Italy, at night, singing. In early May each year, long processions of messeri (gentlemen) and madonne (ladies), escorted by knights and esquires, compete with each other in singing and music at the Piazza del Comune. In addition to commemorating the town’s patron saint, these singing contests serve as an official welcome to May, which is known as the month of love. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary