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The
so-called Ottova di Sant'Egidio is a the very old feast, officially
recognized by the Pope Bonifacio IX in 1396. Local inhabitants have
preserved their devotion to St. Egidio to the present day. As in
the past, the town is subdivided into seven Contradas (districts)
whic feast the Saint for eight subsequent days starting every year
from 31 August, so that celebrations pass to a different Contrada
every day, consisting in traditional games, theatre and ancient
music.
On the first Sunday of September the Contradas meet in Santa Maria's
square for the Palio challenge. On the second Sunday the Archers
Palio takes place and the archers compete for their own contrada
a silver ring. Men and women of all Contradas dressed in XIV century
clothes go and watch these games, processing along the streets.
On this occasion all Contradas open local taverns of particular
architectural and historical interest to the public, in the perfect
observance of the ancient recipes.
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