Norman Palio
An interesting event takes place on 13th and 14th of August in Piazza Armerina, in the province of Enna, the “Palio dei Normanni”, an event that draws its origins from a precise historical fact. In 1091 the Norman Roger freed the island from Saracens and the French nobleman gave the city a labarum depicting Maria SS. Of Victories received as a gift a few years earlier by the Pope.
The event begins with the entry into the city of a helper who is Ruggero, followed by his retinue of knights and pages and dignitaries in traditional costumes. This takes place on the first day of the festivities, while the second provides for the holding of the stake in the sports field, when participants have to hit with their club the “Moor”; this is a game of skill.
The riders involved in the prize represent the various city districts and at the winner is awarded the prize, so the district he represents has the task to keep it for the whole year. Even if such an event does not fit fully in the festivities, it deserves to be considered as evident point of historian folklore and worthy tourist interest.
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