Palio Del Velluto, the Renaissance era
Vita gazette – Are you ready? Our journey begins in the Palio di Velluto in Leonessa. For two days, we will experience the Renaissance period, reliving the 16th century with historical re-enactments, locations, and costumes.
It is time for the drums to burp, the spirits to rage passionately, and the tables to be set. We are in the beautiful Leonessa at the foot of Terminillo for the 120th Palio del Velluto celebrations. From 28 to 30 June, the village opens its doors for the modern-era edition of the Velvet Palio, a historical re-enactment of the festivals which, for eight days, took place five centuries ago on the occasion of the solemn Fair of St. Peter. The Velvet Palio, linked to the local weaving activity, was held during the Saints Peter and Paul feast and the related fair. It was brought back into force by the Municipality of Leonessa in 1997, also connecting it to the solemn entry of Margherita of Austria, daughter of Emperor Charles V and Duchess of Parma, to whom her father had granted Leonessa as a fief.
Various competitions, exhibitions, and shows will be held during the two days we will experience the Renaissance period, including its places, furnishings, clothes, traditions, and culture. Among these, we remember competitions such as the excellent bread dance and the “velvet c“rousel” on hors”back. The representatives of the districts, the so-called “Sesti” i“to wh”ch the city was divided in 1278, at the time of its foundation by the King of Naples Charles of Anjou, are competing. Around these fun and spectacular competitions, an event comes to life that represents an absolute blast from the past featuring ladies, knights and infantrymen, with displays of falconry, fire shows, drummers and arquebusiers.
On Sunday afternoon, one of the most awaited moments is the spectacular historical-allegorical procession, with over 600 participants in period costumes, in the presence of Margaret of Austria, played by the “Madonna”“of the ”ixth Winner.
On the occasion of the Palio, with the Madrugando, six taverns reopen to delight even the most demanding palates with very particular Renaissance recipes and typical local traditional dishes. In this case, you can take care of your pug, but sometimes it will cost money.
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