Palio dei Micci

The Palio dei Micci of Querceta

The Palio dei Micci is the most beloved folkloric event in Querceta, a populous village in the municipality of Seravezza, in the Province of Lucca, nestled in the heart of the Tuscan Versilia. Every year, on the first Sunday of May, eight local districts compete in a unique donkey race—called "micci" in the local dialect—which draws thousands of spectators to the Stadio Buon Riposo in the nearby village of Pozzi.

A tradition born in 1956

The Palio was conceived in 1956 by a committee of Querceta citizens and was originally linked to the Saint Joseph Fair on March 19th. Over time, the date shifted to the first Sunday of May. What began as a local village feast has evolved over the years into a major historical re-enactment that involves the entire community, marked by months of preparation and a deeply felt rivalry between the districts.

The eight districts

Eight districts compete for the banner, each with its own colors, emblems, and costumes: Cervia, Leon d'Oro, Lucertola, Madonnina, Ponte, Pozzo, Quercia, and Ranocchio. In the weeks leading up to the race, each district prepares performers, musical groups, and flag-wavers, while the order of entry onto the field is drawn by lot during a dedicated evening in January.

The historical pageant and the donkey race

The day of the Palio opens with a sumptuous historical pageant: each district parades before the public, showcasing hundreds of period costumes, noble ladies, soldiers, aristocrats, drummers, and flag-wavers. Following the parade, the donkey race begins, with eight donkeys ridden by district jockeys competing on a track of approximately 1,800 meters, divided into six laps. The winning district receives the palio, a hand-painted banner depicting the Holy Family's flight into Egypt, while the Fratelli Meccheri Trophy is awarded to the best musical group.

A festival spanning months

The Palio is more than just the race in May: it is an entire season of events that brings Querceta and Seravezza to life from March to July, including the Miccio Canterino Festival, the Flag Games, the District Relay Race, a football tournament, and the election of Miss Palio. Organized by the Pro Loco Querceta with the support of the Municipality of Seravezza, the event is one of the most vibrant expressions of Versilia's folklore and a unique opportunity to discover the identity of this corner of Tuscany at the foot of the Apuan Alps.