2011 Palio dei Terzieri of Cittā della Pieve

Cittā della Pieve (PG) looks forward to its Palio dei Terzieri, from 10th to 21st August, 2011.
The term Terzieri indicate towns, many of which are in Umbria like Trevi, Spello and Narni, divided into three districts. The division of the Middle Ages makes Cittā della Pieve seem, from an urban point of view, an eagle's head: the head is the Terziere Castello or Classe dei cavalieri; the belly is the Terziere Borgo Dentro; the wing-tail is the Terziere Casalino or Classe dei Pedoni. The Terzieri are were well defined from the point of view of the class, too, as they represented three distinct social classes. In fact, the first Terziere was composed of the members of the aristocracy, the second by the bourgeoisie and the last by the farmers.

The day of the Lancio della Sfida (Launch of the Challenge), Aug. 15th, the pallium is returned by the Terziere winner of the last edition, Casalino, in the hands of the Podestā of Cittā della Pieve. Up to 21th will be preserved in the Comune, from where will come out only on the day of the Caccia del Toro (Hunt of the Taurus), a challenge in the art of archery, to appear in the grand historical procession preceded by the banner of the city.

The culmination of the 12-days celebration is, in fact, August 21th, 2011. From the 17:00 and from square Piazza del Plebiscito begins the Corteo Storico (historical parade) with over 800 participants. Follow it the Master of the scene, the Portagonfalone, the Armed Municipality, the Justices of the field and a float, Classical-inspired. Everything with magic tricks, skills and Renaissance music. The procession will arrive at Campo de li Giochi, Campo Santa Lucia, the tender for the land down on a plateau.
Inspired by the ancient Siena's "hunts" (Citta della Pieve, for centuries rebel to the Papal States, was very in tune with Siena, ed), the Palio is a challenge of archery. Every Terziere has 3 participants, each with 3 arrows. The targets are three shapes moving to center with the appearance of a Chianina bull mounted on a carousel. Each target has the colors of the corresponding Terziere. They are also 3 the rounds of launch. A minor detail: each turn increases the speed rate of the targets, making them even more difficult. Who will do the most points wins. The award, the historical Pallium, is a beautiful tapestry painted by the Pievese master Antonio Marroni.

Throughout the duration of the Palio there will be moments of drama, music, juggling, but above all, will feature the characteristics Terzieri's Tavern, where you can taste specialties of the Umbrian - Tuscan tradition.
For the complete program of the 2011 Palio dei Terzieri in Cittā della Pieve, please visit the website: paliodeiterzieri.it