Come and experience a unique and exciting spectacle in the city of Piazza Armerina, the “Palio dei Normanni" which occurs on the island of Sicily off the coast of southern Italy. This thrilling event, which takes place between the 12th and 14th of August, celebrates an exciting piece of Piazza’s history. Why not stay in a lovely vacation rental in Palermo city and enjoy a day trip to witness the Palio dei Normanni?
Over a thousand years ago, the Norman King, Tancredi, had his two sons called Roger and Robert raise an army. They were to battle and release the islands of Calabria and Sicily from the grip of Saracen rule. Pope Nicholas II was in support of this cause and promised the islands to the Normans if they were victorious.
As a token of his gratitude, the Pope gave Count Roger a banner with a coat of arms portraying an image of Our Lady with Child. Roger, in turn, donated this to the city of Piazza Armerina as thanks for their help in defeating the Saracens. The banner was, and still is hung at the main alter of the city’s cathedral and honored every year at the “Palio dei Normanni”.
Over a thousand years ago, the Norman King, Tancredi, had his two sons called Roger and Robert raise an army. They were to battle and release the islands of Calabria and Sicily from the grip of Saracen rule. Pope Nicholas II was in support of this cause and promised the islands to the Normans if they were victorious.
As a token of his gratitude, the Pope gave Count Roger a banner with a coat of arms portraying an image of Our Lady with Child. Roger, in turn, donated this to the city of Piazza Armerina as thanks for their help in defeating the Saracens. The banner was, and still is hung at the main alter of the city’s cathedral and honored every year at the “Palio dei Normanni”.
In 1952, the first festival was held in honor of Count Roger’s generous gift to the city and was such a massive success that it continues to this day. The city people and those from the surrounding area flood the streets to commemorate this magnificent historic event and it’s sure to be a tremendous sight to a visitor to see such happiness and celebration surrounding them!
The first official ceremony of the festival is on the 12th August and involves the magistrate of the city delivering the weapons and blessing the jousting knights representing the four contrade of Piazza Armerina.
Following this a burning lamp is paraded through the streets and laid at the feet of the Banner of the Madonna in honour of Count Roger.
The first official ceremony of the festival is on the 12th August and involves the magistrate of the city delivering the weapons and blessing the jousting knights representing the four contrade of Piazza Armerina.
Following this a burning lamp is paraded through the streets and laid at the feet of the Banner of the Madonna in honour of Count Roger.
On August 13th, a re-enactment of the triumphant Norman troops marching into the city to be presented with the keys to the city can be enjoyed. This is the heart and soul of the “Palio dei Normanni” celebration where you will first hear the sound of distant drums beating and uniform marching and then see the wonderful sight of groups of crossbow men, archers and soldiers preceding the horseback riders flanking Count Roger himself.
On August 14th, the main jousting event takes place where the four contrade battle each other in tests of speed, agility and horsemanship.
In memory of the Saracens that were defeated and driven off the islands of Calabria and Sicily, a cardboard image of an unfortunate Saracen is the target for the Knights’ lances and you can witness for yourself the violent pummelling he will be subjected to! The winning contrada are presented with the Banner of Madonna, representing St. Mary of the Victories. It will be kept in a church in this district until the following year.
The feasting, music, dancing and joyous atmosphere that the city immerses itself into after the final event is mesmerising; it’s impossible not to be drawn to the passion of the people of Piazza during this festival! It’s an absolute must for anyone fortunate enough to be in the area around this time to attend the famous “Palio dei Normanni”.
On August 14th, the main jousting event takes place where the four contrade battle each other in tests of speed, agility and horsemanship.
In memory of the Saracens that were defeated and driven off the islands of Calabria and Sicily, a cardboard image of an unfortunate Saracen is the target for the Knights’ lances and you can witness for yourself the violent pummelling he will be subjected to! The winning contrada are presented with the Banner of Madonna, representing St. Mary of the Victories. It will be kept in a church in this district until the following year.
The feasting, music, dancing and joyous atmosphere that the city immerses itself into after the final event is mesmerising; it’s impossible not to be drawn to the passion of the people of Piazza during this festival! It’s an absolute must for anyone fortunate enough to be in the area around this time to attend the famous “Palio dei Normanni”.
Photo credits
picture 1: Urban / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Elitre / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: rickisl / CC BY 3.0
picture 1: Urban / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Elitre / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: rickisl / CC BY 3.0