Ottobre Trevano — Palio dei Terzieri

A Month of the Middle Ages in Trevi

Every October, the village of Trevi, perched among the olive groves of the province of Perugia, rediscovers its medieval soul with Ottobre Trevano: an entire month of historical reenactments, district challenges, ancient flavors, markets, shows, and gastronomy. It is one of the most cherished medieval events in Umbria and all of central Italy.

The Palio dei Terzieri

The centerpiece is the Palio dei Terzieri, which since 1980 reenacts the tenacity with which the young people of Trevi revived their city after its destruction in 1214, an act by the people of Spoleto at the behest of Duke Theopoldo. The city is divided into three districts, the Terzieri:

• Castello — a castle on a blue and white background;
• Matiggia — a black tower on a yellow field, recalling the 14th-century Matiggia Tower;
• Piano — red spade and plowshare, a symbol of agricultural work.

The Cart Race

The most anticipated moment is the cart race: each Terziere fields twenty young 'Portacolori' (standard-bearers) who, taking turns in a relay, pull and push a 430 kg wooden cart along an 800-meter uphill course, from Porta Nuova to Piazza del Comune. At the finish line, the 'bàlio' must snatch the key from the right hand of the Mora, the wooden statue, to open the tower door. The Terziere that finishes with the lowest overall time and the fewest irregularities wins.

Not Just the Palio

Throughout the month, the historic center hosts the Convivium with Allegories, the Sfida dei Suoni (Sound Challenge) between the Terzieri's drummers, the Palio dei Bambini (Children's Palio), Scenes of Medieval Life, the district taverns, the medieval market, and roasted chestnut gatherings. Concurrently, the historic Black Celery and Sausage Exhibition Market takes place, showcasing Trevi's gastronomic excellences.