Historic Palio Competition & Medieval Feast

If you’re familiar with the Palio competition in Italy, then you’re probably familiar with the annual competition in Sienna…which is probably Italy’s most famous. But this event also happens in other towns and villages as well and at the end of this month, next weekend in fact, there will be one in Noale near Venice.

For those of you who are not familiar with Palio it’s a horse race that dates back to medieval times when the most influential families of the city raced against each other for bragging rights for a year…that’s what they say in Sienna anyway and I’m sure there’s more to the story, but that’s it in a nutshell. The race always takes place in the city center and is often dangerous to the spectators as well as the horses and riders due to the the tight corners that the riders are forced to navigate around. Usually, some animal rights groups want the sport banned…you can take it or leave it. I understand their concern, but I also know about heritage and tradition.

Anyway, in addition to this sporting event there will also be a traditional medieval feast, a market for purchasing goods made in the area (cheese, wine, salami), and the historical parade which will consist of period dress that represents the prominent families of Noale.

The entire festival lasts all weekend, starting on Friday June 19th, and finishing on Sunday the 21st. For information you must call (+39) 041-440-805. The event will be held in the historic center of the town.

The Palio will be held on Sunday afternoon at 5pm, festivities will continue into the night and ending with the burning of the towers at 11:30pm. Click the following link for a complete explanation and calendar of events.