Palio dei Colombi (Palio of the Pigeons) - 2011

Amelia, situated between the Amerini hills and surrounded by ancient and impressive Roman walls, is the venue for the Palio dei Colombi (Palio of the Pigeons), from July 30th to August 13th, 2011, an equestrian race truly unique and fascinating.

The village is divided into five Contrade (Districts): Collis; Crux; Burgi; Posterola; Platea and Vallis. Each district will field a horse, a knight and a crossbowman, and individually challenge their rivals in the order dictated by the standings of the previous year. The knights, equipped with spear, cross the race field (a ring of about 90 meters) with the aim of hitting a small target. If successful, two points. At the end of the round the archers shot an arrow at a target attached to a dovecote, that if is hitted will liberate, in fact, a pigeon. And it's a bonus point for the district and rider combined. However, sometimes the dovecote can be opened just for the power stroke, without having made a perfect center. In this case, there is a "judge" who will verify the validity of the shot.

The Palio, Saturday August 13th, 2011, is very quick, and the riders whizzing close to each other, one meter. The best Contrada, and related coupled-knight-crossbowman, the sum of the 10 challenges cross, at the end of the "championship" will win the Palio, a drape of fabric, painted for the occasion.

The night before the Palio, Friday 12th, from 21:30 there will be the Corteo Storico (Historical Parade) with more than 400 participants of the Contrade, with the ancient clothes. The Corteo will start from the Contradas and then merge into square 21st September, where at the arrival of the Podestā (similar to a Mayor, ed) will be closed the monumental entrance of the city. The Podestā will be sworn and take the keys of the town, just as they did once when the Podestā came from Rome to administer Amelia.

During the two weeks of the festival you can try typical dishes of the Umbrian Contrade taverns, theater and music.

Following:
- 2011 Palio dei Colombi program(jpg 449 kb);
- Banchetto della Sfida, 30 Luglio 2011 - Banquet of the Challenge, July 30th, 2011(jpg 699 kb);
- Amelia Ritrovata, 31 Luglio 2011 part 1(jpg 1,53 MB) e Amelia Ritrovata part 2(jpg 1,87 MB);
- Taverns menu(pdf 32 kb).

For more info and complete program of the Palio dei Colombi of Amelia, 2011:
ameliapalio.it