In the municipality of Sacrofano, 30 km from Rome, on Saturday September 8 and Sunday 9, the 25th edition of the Palio della Stella takes place. In this traditional medieval festival, 7 contrade compete in an exciting joust on horseback to win the prestigious Palio.
The race starts at 3 pm on Sunday and the rider who earns the most points by stabbing a ring with a three-pronged lance is the winner. It all takes place on the main street of the city.
A Palio with very ancient origins, it is said that a Christian knight, Desiderio, wanting to win the hand of Tommasina, the favourite of the wicked king Gregorio who ruled the town. He succeeded in both the joust and in stabbing him with his own spear, at the same time liberating Sacrofano from the tyranny.
It entails two days of celebrations with a full schedule of events, such as concerts, food stands, craft exhibitions and much more.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/paliodellastella/