43rd Historic Palio of Avigliana

The event commemorates the visit of Valentina Visconti, daughter of the Duke of Milan, who was a guest of her cousin Amedeo VII of Savoy, the famous Conte Rosso.

The event officially begins with the handing over of the keys to the city by the Mayor to Conte Rosso.  

Saturday evening is when the historical re-enactment really gets into full swing, turning the build-up to the race into a proper community celebration.

The Medieval Taverns of the villages at the Campo del Palio, where you can sample traditional dishes, serve as a prelude to the theatrical performance.

The show, organised by the Corte del Conte Rosso, will be a moment when the past becomes the present and history takes centre stage.

Before the taverns fill with revellers, Saturday afternoon and evening take centre stage with the village archers, the village drummers and the traditional Tiro alla Fune, where the villagers test their strength.

The most eagerly awaited moment is on Sunday afternoon, when the excitement reaches fever pitch in the Campo del Palio. Here, the seven districts ( Nuovo, Sant’Agostino, Drubiaglio, San Pietro, Paglierino, Pertusera and Vecchio) compete in the spectacular bareback horse race.

The full programme will be available shortly

Images: Roberto Brogliatti