Palio della Stella of Sacrofano

The most anticipated historical re-enactment in Sacrofano

The Palio della Stella is the premier event in Sacrofano, a village in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, set among the hills of the Veio Park in the heart of the countryside north of the capital. Founded in 1995 by the local community, the Palio has grown with each edition to become one of the most renowned historical re-enactments in Lazio, earning its place in the Regional Register of Historical Re-enactments of the Lazio Region. In September 2025, the event celebrated its thirtieth anniversary.

The legend of Desiderio and Tommasina

The festival is rooted in a local medieval legend: it is said that the Christian knight Desiderio, returning from the Crusades, won the hand of the young Tommasina by passing a test of equestrian skill, simultaneously liberating Sacrofano from the tyranny of King Gregorio. Today's joust commemorates that very feat, transforming it into a passionate competition between the town's districts.

Seven districts in competition

The Palio is contested by the seven districts of Sacrofano, each with its own colors, riders, and supporters:

• Petruscheto
• Le Valli
• Monte del Casale
• Bicetti
• Borgo Pineto
• Ala Musina
• Martini

Each district fields two riders, who must be local residents. Riding horses of any breed (excluding thoroughbreds, deemed too fast), the jousters must navigate the track and spear three stars and a ring with a specialized lance in just a few seconds: a test of precision and nerves that keeps the audience breathless until the final pass.

Three days of medieval festivities

The actual Palio takes place on Sunday, but the festivities span an entire weekend in mid-September, preceded by days of events: the traditional wheelbarrow race, the district dinners in the historic center, the captains' dinner, and the official presentation of the edition. During the peak days, the village comes alive with a grand parade in medieval costumes—including the crowning of the most beautiful lady—along with performances by flag-wavers, archers, jesters, minstrels, and fire-eaters, as well as stalls showcasing ancient crafts and food stands dedicated to local products.

A village in the Veio Park

The setting makes the experience even more evocative: Sacrofano is a medieval village immersed in the Veio Park, a protected area rich in forests and volcanic gorges just a few kilometers from Rome. The town also boasts a deep-rooted equestrian culture, with numerous riding stables in the area; it is no coincidence that the Palio is largely organized by local volunteers and riders, with the support of the Municipality of Sacrofano.

Why visit

The Palio della Stella is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Roman province: a heartfelt and genuine re-enactment where the rivalry between districts is lived with true passion, and the medieval atmosphere envelops the entire historic center. It is an ideal destination for families, offering street performances, horses, and traditional Lazio flavors.