Palio delle Barche - Palio of the Boats - 28th edition, 2011

The last week of July in Passignano sul Trasimeno, as it has been happening by now for 28 years, it's time for the Palio delle Barche (Palio of the Boats), historical reenactment heated duel between Oddi's family and the Baglioni's family.

The race will take place July 31st, 2011, the last Sunday of the month, with 160 contestants representing the four districts of the city: Centro Storico (Old Town), with the Carpa Regina (Queen Carp) as a symbol ; Centro 2 (Center 2) the Luccio (Pike); Oliveto (Olive-Grove) the Capitone (Large Eel) and San Donato (St. Donato) the Persico (Bass). The Challenge, a race itself, is divided into 3 phases: competition on the water, with two paddlers per boat, arriving at the dock of the country; the second is called "boats on their shoulders" and ran through the narrow streets of the country and of the medieval castle; finally returns back into the water, returning to the boat dock and then up to the public gardens.
This race recounts the episode of 1495, the last act of the bloody feud between the families of Oddi and the Baglioni of Perugia. The former were expelled from Passignano seven years before, but returned to occupy the castle along with a small army of Siena. However, Gianpaolo Baglioni and his followers managed to push back the invaders who, en route, tried to flee retrieving the boats to fishermen's houses for arriving on the islands of Lake Trasimeno. They tried, because the escape did not succeed...

But the Palio is more than the race of boats, as spectacular and unique: for example, there will be Friday, July 29th, 2011 the Corsa delle Brocche (Run of the Pitchers), a competition reserved for women, who must compete with a pitcher full of water on the head to the stretch that once ran from the public fountain at the castle gate, simulating a possible enemy attack. Additional small detail: the race will be held with a dress of the '800!

Sunday 24th space to the exhibition instead of the flag-throwers of Montefalco, Monday 25th the theatrical representation "Ordalia de lo Foco" by the Buffoni di Corte. Saturday, July 30th, in the evening, the Lords of the Districts will meet for the Launch of the Challenge, run by the District which holds the Palio. And about the Palio, Sunday 31st there will be the historical parade and fireworks. Throughout the week of the Palio, in addition, the four districts of the country will organize taverns where visitors can taste typical dishes of the Trasimeno Lake, concerts, juggling, etc.

For more information and detailed program of the 28th Palio delle Barche, 2011:
paliodellebarche.it