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Traditions
03 September 2023

The Palio of Asti

Overview

On 3 September 2023, the eagerly awaited Palio di Asti returns. This traditional town festival famously culminates in an exciting bareback horse race. 

The event has its origins in the celebrations in honour of the town’s patron saint, San Secondo, and its main event sees 21 contenders representing different districts, boroughs and municipalities compete on horseback. 

For this town, with its rich medieval history, with palaces and streets that tell of a glorious past, the Palio has a strength and vitality that reinforce the bond of its districts and boroughs with tradition and local pride

Before the race, there is a procession with more than 1,200 participants wearing period costumes and a series of important events: lucky dinners on the eve of the race, the Palio degli Sbandieratori (Flag-wavers’ Palio), scheduled for the preceding Thursday, and the Festival delle Sagre, a grand showcase of Asti and Piedmont cuisine featuring typical dishes.

At 4 pm on Piazza Alfieri, the judge starts the Palio. The jockeys compete for glory and the coveted Drappo, accompanied by ceaseless waving of flags and banners and the blare of trumpets. 

The Palio has started!

When

The first Sunday in September (but the events preceding the Palio start from the Thursday).

Where

The streets of the Historic Centre and Piazza Alfieri, Asti.

Hours

Find out the dates and times of the event on the official website 

 

Tickets

For event information and ticket prices, visit the official website 

Buy

Tickets

For event information and ticket prices, visit the official website 

Asti

14100 Asti AT, Italia

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