🏰 Palio del Saracino – Nepi: Challenges, History, and Passion in the Heart of Tuscia

Every June, the village of Nepi becomes a living stage of history, color, and tradition thanks to the Palio del Saracino, also known as the Palio dei Borgia.

A spectacular historical reenactment that celebrates the town’s ties to the powerful Borgia family and rekindles the ancient rivalry between the town’s districts (contrade).

🛡️ Historical Origins and Meaning

The Palio del Saracino was established in 1995 by the Ente Palio del Saracino, to commemorate the golden age of Nepi under the rule of Lucrezia Borgia.

The event reenacts the year 1499, when Lucrezia, daughter of Pope Alexander VI, was granted the fief of Nepi during grand festivities, parades, and knightly games.

Today, through costumes, ceremonies, and medieval contests, the city relives its Renaissance glory.

⚔️ The Contrade and Medieval Challenges

During the Palio, competition heats up between the four historic districts (contrade):

• San Biagio (white and red) 🟥⬜ – tied to the church of the same name and the Orsini family

• Santa Maria (yellow and blue) 💛🔵 – inspired by the cathedral and the Farnese family

• Santa Croce (white and blue) ⬜🔵 – symbolized by crossed eels, the emblem of the Anguillara family

• La Rocca (green and red) 🟩🟥 – bearing the golden ox of the Borgias

🏇 Main competitions include:

• 🥁 Drummers’ Tournament

• 🏹 Archery Contest

• ⚔️ Knights’ Duels

• 🎺 Musicians’ Challenge

• 🏇 Horse Jousting

🎨 At the end of the contests, the winning contrada is awarded the Palio, a work of art created each year by a local artist.

👑 Historical Parade: A Dive into the Renaissance

One of the most emotional highlights of the Palio is the historical parade:

• Hundreds of participants dressed in Renaissance attire march through the streets of Nepi

• Flags waving, trumpets blaring, drums beating

• A full immersion into the solemn atmosphere of the 15th century

The streets and squares are dressed for the occasion with colorful banners, coats of arms, and decorations that turn the village into a living Renaissance gem.

🍷 Open Taverns and Ancient Flavors

During the Palio, the contrada taverns open their doors to offer:

• 🍖 Grilled meats and rustic dishes like acquacotta

• 🥩 Salame cotto and scapicollata

• 🍝 Spuntafusi, a typical local pasta

• 🍷 Wines from the Tuscia region

• 🍰 Traditional desserts and contagious cheer

The taverns are the true convivial heart of the festival — where toasts, songs, and shared tables express the soul of Nepi.

📅 When and Where

📍 Location	📆 Dates
Nepi (VT)	First three weekends of June

Featuring:

• 🎭 Historical Parade

• ⚔️ Competitions between contrade

• 🍷 Open taverns

• 🎶 Renaissance shows and entertainment

✨ An Experience Not to Be Missed

Taking part in the Palio del Saracino of Nepi means:

• Traveling back in time to the Renaissance

• Feeling the thrill of knightly challenges

• Discovering the authentic culture of Tuscia

• Sharing real emotions with a community proud of its heritage

Between history, games, flavors, and blooming courtyards, Nepi awaits you for an unforgettable June. 🏰🛡️🏇