Historical processions, challenges, minstrels, jugglers, stiltwalkers, sorcerers and actors enliven the narrow streets and the taverns of the village’s splendid circular square with parades and contests between different districts of the medieval town. Renaissance music review and exhibition of manual arts and crafts in the ancient shops.
This delightful festival stands out in particular thanks to the great attention that goes into the historical reconstruction of life as it was in the early Renaissance with trades, crafts and techniques dating back to the mid-fifteenth century, carried out by a variety of artisans and artists. There are also numerous inns serving menus typical of the period.
There are artisans linked to war trades, including blacksmiths, gunsmiths, people who make bows and those who make harquebus, the reenactment of numerous agricultural trades and glassworkers, parchment and paper makers, potters, dyers and weavers.
Then finally, on Sunday, the historical challenges between the town’s four districts competing to win the coveted Palio.
Every evening, this charming historical reconstruction is brought to life by dozens of actors, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. Traditionally, the parade of honour arrives in the main square, Piazza Maggiore, signalling the start of the evening’s celebrations.
The Palio will be held on Sunday and begins at 6.30 p.m. with the “Geese Race”. When the race begins, the geese “run” along Via Roma to see who is first to reach the finish line in Piazza Maggiore. However, the owners can only use their voices and clap their hands to coax and guide the geese and can never touch their animals.
Victory in the race gives the winning district the privilege of choosing their position in the real “Giuocho de lo Palio” or Palio Competition, which takes place at 11.00 p.m. in Piazza Maggiore.
