Palio dei Colombi, Amelia

The Amelia historical festivals are in july and august every year.

They are inspired by the Municipal Statutes of 1346 which is preserved in the municipal archive. The document and the "Riformanze" explain many aspects of life in Amelia during the XIV cent. The Historical Precession is the peak of the celebrations: 400 people are involved, dressed in medieval.

The Palio is a traditional horse race: five knights represent the five city quarters (Collis, Platea, Vallis. Posterola, Crux Burgi), in a spectacular race they have to spear a target. Every knight is coupled with a crossbowman who has to shoot an arrow toward a target connected to a dove-cot whose centre opens setting free in flight a dove. The winner obtains the Palio painted every year in different ways. In the evening before the Palio, the ceremony of the arrival and the oath of the Podestà is recalled. He came from Rome togheter with the Qfficiales to rule the town. Before coming in town the Podestà swore on the Gospel to be fair in his mission. Today this rite is represented closing Porta Romana where in front of it the oath and the delivery of the keys take place. The other demonstration from the medieval Statutes is called the election of the "Elders" and the ten of the People who represented the political and administrative powers. During the celebration days the so-called Quarter Comers take place. Consisting in open air theatre in the five quarters squares, they perform short stories of medieval times. Througout the whole celebration a characteristic tavern cooks and offers typical food of the town. Another important celebration is in honor of S. Fermina, the patron saint. It takes place on november the 24th and is called Offerta del Cero. In this historical evoking the mayors of the Amelia territory used to offer a large candle weighed as many ounces as the "Foculares" (families) of their own municipalities. Who failed had to pay 25 libre perugine. Today the ceremony takes place in solemn form at the Amelia Cathedral. All the events are organized by Ente Palio dei Colombi, (tel: +39 (0) 744.983210), "Gruppo Armata Medievale Citta di Amelia", "Sbandieratori Citta di Amelia", which trought their performances are able to increase the value of all local cultural events.

The quarters are represented by the Associations: Contrada Collis, Contrada Platea, Contrada Vallis, Contrada Crux Burgi, Contrada Posterola.