FOLIGNO

The Giostra

The Horsemen challenge and compete on behalf of the ten Districts of the town: Ammanniti, Badia, Cassero, Contrastanga, Croce Bianca, Giotti, La Mora, Morlupo, Pugilli, Spada, which can be singled out for their symbols and their heraldic colour. To achieve victory, and win the Palio from the opponents, every Horseman, on his well trained horse, has to cover a distance in the shape of an eight, marked out on the Place of the Action (the “Campo de li Giochi”). On its intersection stands the simulacrum of a warrior, a wooden sculpture, commonly called “Quintana”.

Its left arm holds a shield with the town insignia, its right arm is outstretched, and its hand grasps a metallic hook, from which the rings hang. These rings must be pierced by the Horsemen riding on galloping horses, with a metallic lance. The rings have three different diameters: 10 cm for the first tournament, 8 and 6 cm for the following two. The Horseman who ends his run in the shortest time and with less penalties, will get the prize, that is the Palio: a wonderful painting which has been painted by Italian artists of praised qualities.

Proclamation and Cortege

In the Piazza Grande, magnificently adorned and lit, before the grandiose Cortege of the Ten Districts and of the Central Committee, which will walk through the streets of the town, the reading of the Proclamation announcing the Gara and launching the Challenge takes place. The Town Authorities, the Board of Governors, the district Consul Heads, the “Alfieri”, the “Portainsigne”, the Knights of the Giostra with their followers, and with the Seconds and the Ladies. The rolling of drums, the blaring of trumpets, the smoke of torches, the strong colours of the rich and sumptuous late Renaissance and early 17^th century costumes, the words of the Challenger, who won the previous Gara, all make the opening of the Festival cherming and unforgettable.