The 62nd Palio of Santa Reparata and Tuscan Romagna will be held as usual on the first Sunday in September.
This event originates from ancient crossbow shooting competitions, which were held on special occasions such as religious celebrations, festivals, village fairs and, in particular, during the installation of important figures.
The Palio di Santa Reparata is linked to the annual installation of the Grand Ducal Commissioner of Florentine Romagna, a ceremony that was repeated every year from 1579 until 1772, when the last Grand Ducal Commissioner was appointed. Subsequently, the role was filled by Vicars. All these events are documented in the Municipal Historical Archive.
Each year, the new Commissioner is chosen from among the mayors of the municipalities belonging to the ancient province of Florentine Romagna, of which Terra del Sole was the capital and seat of the Grand Ducal Commissioner.
This year, the Mayor of Rocca San Casciano was selected to serve as Grand Ducal Commissioner.
Terra del Sole has maintained its role as the capital of the Province of Florentine Romagnaestablished by Cosimo I De Medici on 1 September 1542. This measure entrusted the Grand Ducal Commissioner with the autonomous government of the territory, while recognising its historical and cultural identity.
The Florentine Province, which survived until 1776, included various towns in the neighbouring valleys, including Firenzuola, Palazzuolo, Marradi, Tredozio, Modigliana, San Benedetto, Bocconi, Rocca San Casciano, Dovadola, Pieve Salutare, Castrocaro, Terra del Sole, Premilcuore, Corniolo, Santa Sofia, Pianetto, Galeata, Verghereto, Bagno, San Piero and Sorbano.
Event programme
August 31st – THE DRAPE COMES TO LIFE
11:00 a.m. – Blessing of the Palio and offering of candles at the Altar of Santa Reparata. Mass in Latin.
September 4th and 5th – COLORS IN THE SQUARE
Painting the pavement along the sides of Piazza d'Armi: the city prepares for the festival with shared creativity.
SEPTEMBER 5 – LAND OF THE SUN REVEALED
8:30 PM | "Land of the Sun in its Best Dress" guided tour led by Chiara Macherozzi. €7 – Free <14.
SEPTEMBER 6 – VILLAGE DINNERS
8:00 PM | Propitiatory dinners in the two villages, Romano and Fiorentino: delicious banquets, toasts, and a spirit of challenge in the air.
SEPTEMBER 7 – THE DAY OF THE PALIO
10:15 AM | "Land of the Sun in its Best Dress" guided tour led by Chiara Macherozzi. €7 – Free <14.
4:00 PM | The challenge begins with the ringing of the bells: a historical parade, folk games, flag dancing, tug-of-war... leading up to the grand contest between the crossbowmen of Borgo Romano and Borgo Fiorentino to win the Santa Reparata Banner.
Admission to the event is free.
For more information, you can consult the
Instagram @palioterradelsole or write
to the email entepalioterradelsole@gmail.com.
The full programme is available at www.terradelsole.org.
The event will be held in Piazza d'Armi, Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole (FC).
