Palio and Certame of the County of Popoli

A dive into the Renaissance in the heart of Abruzzo

The Palio and Certame of the County of Popoli is the premier historical re-enactment of the town of Popoli Terme, located in the province of Pescara, in the heart of the Abruzzo Peligna Valley. Each summer, the historic center transforms into a Renaissance stage, with hundreds of costumed participants, ladies and knights, drummers, and flag-wavers bringing to life the past of this ancient town at the gateway to inland Abruzzo.

The history of the Cantelmo family and the County

The event commemorates a specific episode in local history: in 1557, Giovan Giuseppe Bonaventura Cantelmo, Count of Popoli, became the city's first Duke thanks to his service to the Spanish crown of Philip II. The Cantelmo family ruled Popoli until the mid-18th century, and the re-enactment retraces the splendor of that era, with a historical procession starting from the Ducal Palace to reach Piazza Maggiore, now Piazza della Libertà.

The Certame and the Crossbow Palio

The heart of the festival is the challenge between the four historic districts of the city — Castello, Sant'Anna, Torre de l'Aia, and Attoja — who compete in the Crossbow Palio, an ancient crossbow shooting contest that keeps spectators of all ages on the edge of their seats until the final shot. The winning district claims the coveted palio, a symbol of civic honor. Surrounding the competition is the Certame itself, a costumed spectacle featuring elaborate sets, dances, and performances by flag-wavers and trumpeters.

The joust for Madonna Diana

The most anticipated moment of the main evening is the joust between two knights vying for the hand of Madonna Diana, daughter of Duke Cantelmo. The equestrian duel, along with stilt-walker performances and exhibitions by the drummers and flag-wavers of the Historical Group of the City of Popoli, precedes the grand fireworks display that brings the event to a spectacular close.

A widespread event throughout the summer

The re-enactment is not limited to a single evening: in the preceding weeks, the Crossbow Tournament takes place, attracting over a hundred crossbowmen from all over Italy, along with the Nights of the Districts featuring the Oath of the Captains, where each district brings its neighborhoods to life with medieval atmospheres, music, and taverns. The organization is managed by the Cultural Association Historical Group of the Certame of Popoli, which involves the community in one of the most cherished traditions of Abruzzo's popular culture.