Game of Thrones Party in Florence in Autumn 2017

Finally, winter has also arrived at the Throne of Swords festival held in Florence. Let us make it clear right away that I am one of those paying people who attended the event, at the time of writing this article, I have no relationship with the organisers and do not know them at all. If by pure chance I should have any of them among my Facebook friends, it is because I like to attend related events concerning the world of cosplay to take some photos or for organisational purposes as a ‘client’ regarding the event itself.

This is the first in the series of articles I have decided to write in this blog to tell you about my experiences at events similar to this one I will be attending.

I will therefore tell you about our experience (I was in the company). I managed to find parking very close to the place where the event advertised under the name: L'Inverno Sta Arrivando - Il Trono di Spade Party (Florence) was held. I didn't understand much about this party, I didn't even know if it was outdoors or indoors.

There was also another similar Throne of Swords Party in the province of Prato with the name Valar Morghulis / GOT Party. I read a lot of negative comments about it. Apparently, the exact same problems occurred. However, for the latter I cannot speak because I was not there. I don't even know if it was the same organisers. The day was identical though.

We walk through the entrance to the place that overlooks the square where we were going to dine, which is used for the Throne of Swords party. We get in line for the entrance, the queue goes quite fast. The ambience is nice and the mood of the people, including mine, is quite good. I personally attend these kinds of events precisely because of this.

We quickly receive our wristbands and are led to our tables. The person accompanying me to the event tells me at this point that she thinks she has reason to be puzzled. In fact, he expected the tables to be under tents to protect us from the expected bad weather.

I don't take much notice because I hope for the best and try to enjoy the evening. I was very curious, because in my opinion this is a very courageous and original initiative. There were a lot of people dressed up and the space seemed adequate for the amount of people it had to accommodate. In fact, a few tables on the margins remained empty as well.

I thought that they would be bringing us dinner shortly, observed the other tables that were without plates, and assumed that dinner would begin when most of the queue at the entrance had been disposed of. After about half an hour, I noticed that there were some people bringing something to the tables, and through a microphone they informed us that for drinks and food, it is advisable to make your own.

While I took a few photographs of the fire-eaters performing, those accompanying me went to get something to eat. Afterwards I returned to my assigned table and waited for about 20 minutes. I noticed people complaining about the food and drink.

The plates that were provided were dessert plates and one had to queue for no less than thirty minutes to fill them. So one person could at most fill their plate, refill their glass with something and return to their seat. Actually, as far as food and drinks are concerned, having a couple of extra queues would not have been a bad idea I think.

I liked the animation, with a not inconsiderable number of figures, and I especially liked the organisation's attitude towards our animal friends who were allowed to participate in the banquet. In fact, in an enclosed location, this would not have been possible. I could see the presence of Czechoslovakian wolfdogs and even a Jack Russell Terrier (mine).

The menu included various drinks, onions, ribollita, pappa al pomodoro and boiled eggs. Someone told us that there should also have been chicken with potatoes but that it was finished immediately. The quality of the food and the ingredients were excellent. Of course being a medieval lunch, one could hardly expect rows of waiters bringing whole boars to the tables. Especially considering the price of the ticket and the prices around in the various restaurants.

Let's not forget that entertainment, catering, equipment, setting and everything else costs money, and a lot of it. Not to mention the time and preparations, which were certainly done with the best of intentions and with all the passion and willpower possible. Moreover, if the rain had ruined the Lucca Commics for me, I certainly wouldn't have demanded a refund. With all the money spent on nonsense then.

During dinner it was possible to listen to an interview with John Snow's Italian voice actor.

Unfortunately, at one point, a gust of wind heralded the early end of the evening. The rain was falling incessantly and at an incredible rate. We therefore decided to return home because with wet clothes we were afraid of catching bronchitis.

I can't tell you what happened afterwards because I wasn't there but I was informed that although the weather decimated the number of people present, some stayed to celebrate.

I guess the others were wise enough to go home or dry off somehow. Before leaving, I noticed a certain emotion on the part of the participants and also on the part of the organisers. Emotionality that also expressed itself in heated comments on the event page, some of which have been removed.

However, I would encourage such initiatives because in my opinion they are very special and very beautiful. I would like to think that both the organisation and the participants were not so upset that they gave up on this type of event, which in other faraway places are almost the order of the day and make us forget for a few moments the troubles of life. Which in any case in Italy, compared to other countries, are not so many.

This is my experience, contrary to the current opinion of most people, I must say that the evening did not look bad, I was really happy and relaxed. I personally don't know if I could have organised it better, but I feel like a layman to give a couple of tips if I may:

1. Organise these kinds of events during milder periods;
2. Define from the outset a single catering system (served or self-service) and find a way to make it as efficient and quick as possible;
3. If bad weather is forecast, invest in renting marquees open on the sides as is often the case at some fairs;
4. Focus on fewer attractions to reduce costs, in my opinion a simple theme party with fewer people all dressed up is more manageable and impressive. I would have seen well the presence of a medieval dance school, a master who engages people with the appropriate tact and the guest of honour, the voice of John Snow, possibly dressed in the theme who dines with the others.

We have come to the end of my article, this morning as I read the news I learned that the bad weather has created major disruptions and tragedies in other places far greater than this one. To them, goes my sincerest condolences.

Feel free to comment on this article, but I will only approve comments that are free of insults and displays of unwarranted emotionalism. I am sure it will be better next time.