Palio di San Lodovico
Folklore
Archery tournament between archers from the 4 districts
On August 4 and 18, Serravalle Pistoiese will host the 31st edition of the Palio di San Lodovico, a historical reenactment dedicated to medieval archery and part of the festivities in honor of the village’s patron saint.
The first event is scheduled to take place on August 4 in Castellina di Serravalle with the Palio dei Mercenari (Palio of the Mercenaries), an open competition to determine which mercenaries are assigned to the teams participating in the subsequent challenge between the districts.
On August 18, the Palio dei Rioni (Palio of the Districts) takes place at the Rocca di Castruccio fortress.
Serravalle, Ponte, Castellina and Masotti compete against each other with teams consisting of four archers and one mercenary.
The participants, dressed in medieval costumes, take aim at the distinctive yellow-and-black target, which has been the symbol of the event since 1997.
The winning district is awarded the Cencio of the Palio, a hand-painted cloth banner created each year by a local artist and dedicated to Saint Louis (San Lodovico).
The event also includes the historical parade, the blessing of the archers and of the Cencio, medieval performances and the participation of numerous costumed participants, who bring the atmosphere of the 14th century back to the village.
