Porta Signina has once again conquered the Palio Madonna del Soccorso, repeating the success of the previous year. The competition saw the Cori Monte district reach the number of 8 rings, leaving Porta Ninfina with 4 rings and Porta Romana with 3. The contradaioli celebrated the triumph by holding aloft the prestigious Palio, a work of the artist Joana Tellez Amezquita, shouting “Excelsior”, their distinctive motto. The celebrations continued until late at night in the tavern in the historic center.
An Event of Great Tradition
The race was preceded by a procession in Renaissance costumes, starting from Piazza della Croce and arriving in Piazza Signina, crossing the charming streets of the historic center. The public, crowded along the route, welcomed the participants with enthusiasm. Once they reached their destination, the procession watched the flag-wavers perform and the speech of the Podestà, who started the competition between the knights.
The race
The knights, wearing the uniforms of their respective districts, challenged each other in a test of skill and speed. Using a wooden dagger with a steel tip, they tried to thread metal rings hanging from a post placed halfway along the straight. The competition will be repeated at night on July 27 for the Palio di Sant’Oliva.
Statements from the Authorities
“A splendid celebration of the people,” commented the mayor of Cori, Mauro Primio De Lillis. “It is an event that succeeds thanks to the dedication of dozens of volunteers and the passion of the contradaioli. The Carosello Storico is a cultural and human wealth for Cori.”
The delegate for Culture, Michele Todini, added: “The fervor with which the Carosello Storico involves the entire city is incredible. The event is a show that sees the city itself as the protagonist.”
“The Carosello Storico is above all a great popular festival,” declared the president of the Carosello Authority Maria Teresa Luciani. “It is an emotion to be lived and an experience to be shared. Yesterday’s Palio was all of this: a choral portrait of our people and our beautiful city.”
