If we go by the words of Master of the Palio, Stefano Bressanithe cabal of sendallo estimated yesterday has a clear signal: the vault above the effigy of the Saint, supported by the two columns, is blue with the halo of San Secondo and the yellow moon. A clear signal that seems to indicate the direction of Don Boscoa village that has not won victory since 1996 and which in recent years has tried with determination to impose itself in the September race.
The horses depicted below, green, blue and gold, can also lead to different combinations: blue and gold can make you think again of Don Bosco as well as a San Marzanottowhile the red background of the Asti coat of arms, as well as the green columns in the background, may make you think of Saint Peter. Even the pink complexion of the Saint, with the combination of the blue background, could lead to an encore of Santa Maria Nuova.
Beyond the cabalistic aspect, last night the participants of the Palio swore, on the Chain Code, to «corre the Palio with loyalty and honour”.
The Oath took place, as per tradition, in the presence of the Standard Bearers of the participating districts, villages and municipalities, of the Captain and Magistrates, of the Knights Elected with the Standard Bearer, of the Flag-wavers of the Palio of Asti, of the Mayor of the City of Asti Maurizio Rasero, of the Councilor delegated to the Palio, Riccardo Origlia, of all the Rectors, of the major civil and religious authorities and in front of all the citizens.
After the oath of the Captain, Magistrates and Rectors, the ceremony continued with the «Estimation of Drapes»created this year by Stefano Bressani: one intended for the winner of the race, the other for the Collegiate Church of San Secondo.
Representing the ancient guild of weavers and merchants, the estimators Alberto Bissolino, Mauro Merlo, Domenico Torchiowith their hands on the Chain Code, they pronounced the solemn formula: «I swear to well and faithfully fulfill the estimate entrusted to me».
The Municipality of Asti has released a short reading of the work
THE FIGHT SCENE (Nature)
A dynamic scene. There are three horses, a synthesis of perfection and balance, and one is the Captain, who represents strength and determination as icons, leader of a commitment which on that day is only the result of many days. The dust, which rises noisily from the hooves, praises the effort but at the same time does not hide the scene that behind it takes place excitedly among a crowd of cheering people.
THE ARCHITECTURE SCENE (The territory)
Asti, which shows itself joyful through the color of its ancient forms: the towers, the walls and the battlements on the tops, between arches and doors that allow glimpses of second floors and scenic wings, hidden landscapes without revealing too much; almost as if they wanted to invite the visitor to discover the city of Asti today, but with the dream of chasing past times that bring back the sounds, smells and noises of the past.
THE SCENE OF THE SAINT (The Divine)
San Secondo, in the guise of “Warrior of Peace”, holds his sword like a crucifix as a sign of his blessing and leans with his left hand on the walls of the City of Asti with the same benevolence of a dear and confidant Friend. In this noble San Secondo, he shows his patience in accompanying the history and serenity of the city, he conveys the desire to instill the sense of fairness and loyalty of the competition in the cheering crowd. Behind the Saint a timeless sky, which goes from light to dark, following the path of the Sun which rises in the East to leave room for the Moon
