Palio of the 10 Municipalities – Montagnana
A horse race, ten municipalities in challenge, a city returning to the Middle Ages. Montagnana evokes history and passion among drums, processions and ancient walls.
Sunday, August 24,
11:00 a.m. – Castel San Zeno
Opening 7th “Palio in Art Exhibition”
Art exhibition dedicated to the Palio: works, colors and symbols that tell the tradition and historical identity of the event. Presentation of works that will award the winners of the Palio Run, the Banner Run and the “In Optimus” Award
Saturday, Aug. 30,
9 p.m. – Megliadino San Vitale (Ancona Church)
Oath of Captains Ceremony
The captains of the ten participating contrade gather for the traditional oath of allegiance. The ceremony includes a medieval banquet with food and spiced wine, the symbolic lighting of candles in front of the altar, and the drawing of batteries for the following competitions
Thursday, September 4,
8:00 p.m. – Encampment at the Tree Rock Wall
Propitiatory Dinner
Traditional medieval-style banquet to wish luck to the contrade and participants before the challenges.
Friday, September 5,
From 19:00 to 24:00 – Montagnana, Vittorio Emanuele Square
Opening Medieval Tavern
Tenzone Musicians and Flag-wavers of the Palio
Saturday, September 6,
From 10:00 a.m. – Old Town (Vittorio Emanuele Square, Carrarese Street, Matteotti Street)
– Medieval market and ancient crafts
Stalls, craftsmen and reconstructions of historic workshops, entertainment with jugglers and jesters.
11 a.m.
– Opening Medieval Tavern
The medieval-style food and wine experience continues.
4:30 to 6 p.m. – Vallo left side of Porta XX Settembre
– Tenzone degli Arcieri
Challenge between archers in period costume, with tests of accuracy and technique.
9 p.m.
– Historical parade with torchlight procession
Atmospheric night parade with costumed figures and lit flashlights.
10 p.m. – Vallo della Rocca degli Alberi
– Equestrian Fireworks Show
Breathtaking performance by the “Knights of the Ancient Tower” of Borgo Veneto with horses, fire and choreography.
– Burning of the City/Rocca
Scenic reenactment of the siege and symbolic burning of the fortress.
Sunday, September 7
From 9 a.m. – Old Town
– Medieval market, ancient crafts, entertainment
The experience of the sounds, colors and arts of the Middle Ages continues.
From 16:00
– Historical procession parade through the streets of the city
Solemn moment with all municipalities as protagonists
From 5:00 p.m. – Valley of the Trees Rock
– Elimination batteries – Race of the Banners
Elimination races to determine the finalists of the race
– Musicians and flag-wavers performance
Last performance before the main competition.
– PALIO RACE
Highlight event: the contrade compete to win the Palio in an exciting and scenic race.
