The main ingredients were all there, fortunately warmed by a splendid sun: the festive atmosphere, the flags of the districts coloring the streets, a few stalls, the square and a piece of the center “armored” against traffic. The Palio degli Coccoli, in its 34th edition, has returned to fill the streets and hearts of Desians. With a demonstration that attracted around 10 thousand people. An important participation, perhaps not record-breaking, but very significant, despite a context with many closed shops, the absence of the traditional craft market, and few collateral initiatives.
As always, there are two peculiar moments of the Palio. First the historical procession characterized by around 300 participants. Then, the race that saw eleven pairs of Contrada people compete, in their characteristic clothes and with annoying wooden clogs on their feet. With the final victory achieved by the San Pietro al Dosso district. Second San Carlo, third San Giovanni. The first phase was the most scenographic: the participants, young, old, children, paraded through the streets and squares of the historic center, staging the Battle of Desio of 1277 between the Viscontis and the Torriani. The dresses created by the Palio’s team of specialized seamstresses are beautiful, as are the mobile sets. A roar of applause, and a whirlwind of photos and videos, among the spectators scattered along the route. Great acclaim also for the drummer group, with many children. Opening the procession were the Pio The parade was also unmissable by the city authorities, led by the mayor Simone Gargiulo, who at the start wanted to thank all those who contributed to the great organizational machine. “What could be significant in the re-enactment of a battle that took place centuries ago in the city of Desio? Furthermore, in a time of conflict like ours, does it make sense to re-enact a battle? – underlined the provost Don Mauro Barlassina, at his first edition -. The re-enactment proposed through the Palio degli Zoccoli is an opportunity, among other things, to reaffirm how freedom from every form of authoritarianism is at the origin of a healthy relationship with the context in which we live”. Legend has it that in 1200 the “commoners” were forbidden to use any type of footwear. Only after the age of 65 was it allowed to bind the feet with bandages and rags. This is to avoid disturbing the peace and game in a center considered a holiday and hunting centre. The Viscontis, however, allowed the use of clogs: Ottone Visconti, victor, made his entrance into Desio welcomed by the festive noise of the Desians’ clogs.
Around 7pm all attention was concentrated towards Piazza Conciliazione. As always, Pius XI, from his position above the monument, enjoyed the race to the fullest. Around, the public, who looked for the best opening to be able to watch. At the starting line San Pietro e Paolo, San Giovanni, San Giorgio, San Carlo, Busasca, San Pietro al Dosso, Dugana, Foppa, Bassa, Piazza and Prati. The double relay lap is traditional, with the passing of the baton by the runners, amidst the cheering of the people. For the third year, in recent months, the “Palio a Scuola” initiative was repeated, to try to attract the attention of primary school children and tell the origin and peculiarities of the Palio. And this year a photography competition was also launched, on Facebook and Instagram, to perhaps also involve young people. To try to bring new life to a heartfelt and very popular event, like yesterday’s edition, which fell in the year of the centenary of the title of City of Desio.
