Palio dei Somari-Sindaci

The Palio dei Somari-Sindaci in Amatrice

In the heart of the Alta Sabina, at the foot of the Laga Mountains, the Palio dei Somari-Sindaci is one of the most beloved and unique events in the calendar of Amatrice, in the province of Rieti, Lazio. Created by the Amatrice Pro Loco in 2003, the event was born with the intent of humorously re-evaluating the importance of the donkey in the mountain agricultural economy and reviving an ancient tradition of the Apennine villages.

A race outside the box

The Palio consists of a competition between municipalities: jockeys guide the donkeys along the Somarodromo track, set up in the Lagozzo area, and each animal runs carrying the name of the mayor of the town it represents. For one day, the mayors set aside institutional language and entrust their fate to a donkey in a deliberately comic competition that entertains both adults and children. Over the years, the starting line has featured many municipalities from the Rieti, Ascoli, and L'Aquila areas: Accumoli, Campotosto, Capitignano, Montereale, Montegallo, Venarotta, Arquata del Tronto, Cascia, Contigliano, Borbona, Ascrea, Antrodoco, Leonessa, Cittareale, as well as Rieti and Teramo.

Rituals, pageant, and prizes

The day opens with a historical pageant in costume that crosses the town to the Somarodromo, where the jockeys' oath is read and the blessing of the donkeys is performed before the start of the heats. At the end of the races, a jury composed of the actual mayors elects the Dama del Palio (Lady of the Palio), while the last-place finisher receives the dreaded cowbell, a coveted object of mockery. The festival is enriched by guest groups such as the delegation from the Quintana of Ascoli Piceno, the musicians of Leonessa, and the drummers of Antrodoco.

A symbol of community after the earthquake

After the 2016 earthquake that hit Amatrice and neighboring towns hard, the Palio took on a value that goes beyond the game: it represents a moment of gathering for the communities of the cratere (earthquake-affected area), an occasion for territorial belonging, solidarity, and rebirth. Tradition, identity, and joy intertwine in an event that attracts many visitors and friends of the Apennine villages every year.

Amatrice, between mountains and gastronomy

Hosting the Palio is also an opportunity to rediscover Amatrice, home of the famous amatriciana pasta, and its splendid territory between the Laga Mountains and the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. A day of lighthearted sport, folklore, and good food that tells the story of the resilient spirit of this land in Lazio.