The Palio is the biggest event of the year for Penne, a blend
of the new with both the romantic and the genuine old, which brings
in visitors, tourists and returning emigrants from around the world.
The first records of the Palio in Penne date from the 16th century, and
by the beginning of the 20th century it had become so competitive that
Arabian horses were being brought in just for the races.
The Palio takes place in the middle of August.
According to legend, the town of Penne was founded by the Syrian
king Itarco, who ruled wisely for many years. He had two daughters:
one blonde, called Rocca, and the other brunette, known as Bruna.
When Itarco died he left the kingdon to Princess Rocca, who settled on the main hill of the town (Colle Sacro, site of the present cathedral). Princess Bruna had no choice but to accept her father's decision which was to leave her the hill opposite the town, which was then still uninhabited (Colle Castello, once site of the castle).
The bishop watched the resulting clashes between the two factions with alarm, and to avoid them escalating into full scale war instituted the Palio - competitive games between the 6 neighbourhoods of the town.
For the modern Palio the houses of the 6 neighbourhoods - Da Capo, Di Mezzo and Da Piedi on the Castle hill; Di Piazza, San Comizio and San Paolo on the Cathedral hill - are decked out in their flags.
Processions of teams from the three
neighbourhoods set out from each hill and meet in the main square for
archery competitions, donkey racing, and climbing the greasy pole.
After which the day becomes an excuse for sampling the local food
and wines. On the final day the winning neighbourhood and hill are
announced.
The palio has it's own web site (italian language only).