Palio della Contea of Aquino

A Palio in the heart of Ciociaria

The Palio della Contea of Aquino is one of the most heartfelt historical re-enactments in the Frosinone area. Every year, at the beginning of September, the center of Aquino (Province of Frosinone, Lazio) transforms into a grand open-air theater: Piazza San Tommaso fills with banners, flags, and hundreds of spectators gathered under the gaze of the statue of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The event spans three evenings full of excitement and competitive spirit, brought to life by choirs, songs, dances, and pageants that involve all age groups of the citizenry.

The eight districts of Aquino

The heart of the event lies in the eight ancient districts that vie for the palio: Crucela, San Pietro Vetere, Piazza, Giusaranna, Canapine, Filetti, San Marco, and Valli. Their names derive from local Aquino dialect and are linked to the characteristics and customs of the city's various neighborhoods. Each district takes to the field with its own colors, performers, and a strong sense of belonging, turning the challenge into a celebration of collective identity.

Traditional games

The competition consists of a series of games inspired by folk tradition. During the days dedicated to the adult Palio, various decisive trials are held to determine which district will claim the title. The atmosphere is that of a true village contest, complete with cheering, spectacle, and the charm of historical re-enactment.

The Children's Palio

The first evening is reserved for the Children's Palio: the districts field their youngest representatives in traditional games specifically designed for children. It is how Aquino passes on the memory and values of the event to new generations, making the Palio a truly intergenerational appointment for the whole family.

History, culture, and local products

Born as a historical re-enactment strongly supported by the citizens, the Palio della Contea aims to promote the historical, religious, cultural, and agri-food heritage of the town and the Ciociaria region. Alongside the competitions, there is space for typical local products from Lazio, including the famous Favetta di Aquino, an ancient local legume variety that is a symbol of the town's farming tradition. The event thus renews social bonds, sharing, and a sense of belonging among the citizens.

Aquino, the city of Saint Thomas

The setting for the event is Aquino itself, a village in southern Lazio known as the birthplace of Saint Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest thinkers of the Middle Ages. Between Roman ruins, medieval memories, and devotion to the Saint, the Palio della Contea offers visitors an authentic immersion into the soul of Ciociaria, where history, faith, and community intertwine every September in the town square.