Palio delle Botti of Gioia del Colle

From August 1st to 3rd, 2025, Gioia del Colle hosted the 8th edition of the Palio delle Botti – City of Primitivo Trophy, organized by the Palio delle Botti Association with the support of the Municipality and the Puglia Region. The festival enlivened the historic center with the medieval re-enactment and the barrel-rolling race, featuring barrels painted by young students from the Mazzini school as well as local artists and associations.

Competing were the city's Gates (Porta San Francesco, Porta Maggiore, Porta San Domenico, and Porta Casale) and six wineries — Tenute Bradascio (defending champion), Cantina Giuliani, Cantine Di Gioia, Cantine Polvanera, Tenuta Viglione, and Tenute Capovaccaio. On the evening of August 2nd, the qualifiers were held in Piazza Margherita di Savoia, followed by the final on the evening of August 3rd, preceded by the awarding of the "most beautiful barrel". The Cencio was painted by artist Sergio Gatti. The event was framed by the historical pageant of Frederick II with over a hundred participants, flag-wavers, falconers, jesters, and evening concerts.

Friday, August 1, 2025

• 7:00 PM — Opening of the neighborhood festival on Via Roma

Saturday, August 2, 2025

• 10:30 AM–11:30 AM — Educational farm activities
• From 6:00 PM — Flag-wavers and musicians, roving performances, historical pageant, medieval camps, falconers, artisan markets, and food stands
• 7:00 PM — "Little Pushers Growing Up", 7th edition (children's race)
• 7:30 PM — Jesters' Run
• 9:30 PM — Palio qualifiers (Piazza Margherita di Savoia)
• 10:30 PM — Concert by Tamburellisti di Torrepaduli (Piazza Margherita di Savoia)

Sunday, August 3, 2025

• 10:30 AM–11:30 AM — Educational farm activities
• From 6:00 PM — Medieval re-enactment, historical pageant, flag-wavers, falconers, and markets
• 9:00 PM — Awarding of the "most beautiful barrel"
• 9:15 PM — Belly dance performance
• 9:30 PM — Palio delle Botti final
• 10:30 PM — Concert by I Lariulà (Piazza Margherita di Savoia)