“That drums resound, the trumpets call!“. In Piazza Sant’Oliva in Cori, the Priors’ Oath officially opens the Historical Carousel of the Districts with a procession in Renaissance costumes, traditional games, and two tournaments: the Palio of the Madonna del Soccorso at the end of June, and the Palio of Sant’Oliva at the end of July.
Historical Carousel of the Districts in Cori
As in the Renaissance, the Priors of the districts, drawn at random from a box, swear before the Municipal Authorities. After the solemn speech of the Podestà, the blessing of the Palios and the investiture of the knights, both competitions start with a Race to the Ring.
The Historical Carousel of the Districts was established in Cori in 1937 by the “Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro”, the “Ente Provinciale del Turismo” of Littoria and the Municipality of Cori. The three historical reenactments from the first half of the 1500s are dedicated to the Madonna del Soccorso, who appeared in Cori in 1521, and to Sant’Oliva, Patron Saint of the town since the twelfth century.
All citizens and main authorities offer candles to the Virgin to plead for a grace or the protection of the community. Then the Bravium, or Palio, is held to enhance the ability of the Gates Defenders. In 1992, the Municipality of Cori founded the “Ente Carosello”, responsible for the preparation of the Palio, organised twice a year.
Over 400 performers in sixteenth-century costumes participate in the historical procession. Leading the parade, powerful political personalities, and the Priors of the three Gates: Ninfina, Signina and Romana. After parading among the cheering crowd from Piazza Signina, through the medieval alleys decorated with flags, we reach Stoza.
After the Pages with garlands, and the Standard-bearer with the municipal banner, we can admire the Capitano Generale on horseback, the Armigers and the Barbaresco, followed by the Podestà, the Judge, the Notary of the Criminal Causes, the Notary of the Civil Bank, the Notary Chancellor and, in the end, the Chamberlain followed by the Soldiers with crossbow, the Provost and the Guards.
“Viribus Unitis”
“Excelsior”
“Per aspera ad astra”
These are respectively the mottos of Porta Ninfina, Porta Signina and Porta Romana. announced by each Standard-bearer, followed by the Captain on horseback with Barbaresco, the Arquebusiers and the valets carrying their own coat of arms and Gate key. The Prior and the Councillors in togas, the Prioress with the Maids, the Ladies and the Gentlemen precede the Procession. The Armigers and the knights competing in the Palio and the Race to the Ring, together with other minor characters, come last.
A moment in the Palio – Photo Facebook Historic Carousel of the Cori Districts
At the end of the Parade, the Contest starts. The riders from the three Gates dexterously compete; their skill and the harmony between man and horse are fundamental for the final victory. The knights must thread as many 3 cm diameter rings as possible with a dagger. The celebrations then, continue in the taverns, with cheers, songs and food based local, traditional cuisine, accompanied by the excellent wine from Cori.