Palio delle Botti and Emigrant Festival

The Palio delle Botti of Collepietro

In the heart of the L'Aquila hinterland, the Palio delle Botti in Collepietro is one of the most cherished summer events on the Navelli plateau. Every year, usually in the first half of August, this small town in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, comes alive for a spectacular race that blends popular sport, tradition, and community spirit.

The challenge of the six villages

The core of the event is the barrel race: six villages compete by pushing large 225-liter wooden barrels along the climbs and alleys of the historic center. Each team consists of six members, but only two can touch the barrel at a time: strength, technique, and teamwork are required to reach the finish line. The contenders for the palio are Collepietro (the host village), Capestrano, Navelli, San Benedetto in Perillis, Bussi sul Tirino, and Popoli Terme. The first edition in 2023 was won by Navelli; in 2024, victory went to the hosts, Collepietro.

Origins and the Emigrant Festival

The Palio stems from oral memories passed down by the village elders, who spoke of an ancient race linked to the town's history. The event is part of the Emigrant Festival, an occasion where Collepietro celebrates its roots and welcomes back those who left the village over time to seek their fortune elsewhere. It is a moment of reunion for the entire community, blending collective memory with the desire to be together.

Re-enactment, folklore, and gastronomy

Beyond the race, the program offers a rich array of tradition and entertainment:

• Flag-wavers and crossbowmen from local historical groups;
• Costumed performers bringing the village streets to life;
• Live folk music and dance evenings;
• Traditional games and workshops for children;
• Food and wine stands featuring the flavors of Abruzzo, including the essential sagne e fagioli and local wine.

A village to discover

Hosting the Palio in Collepietro also means discovering one of the most authentic villages on the Navelli plateau, a land of saffron and landscapes opening toward the Gran Sasso massif. The event, free and open to everyone, is the ideal opportunity to experience Abruzzese hospitality and witness a popular tradition that has been recently rediscovered yet is already deeply loved.