Palio delle Contrade of Saint Roch

The Palio delle Contrade of Montelongo

In Montelongo, a small village in the Frentano territory of the province of Campobasso, the feast of the patron saint Saint Roch culminates on August 16th with the Palio delle Contrade, the most anticipated event of the summer. The church of Saint Roch is the focal point of the religious celebrations, while the Palio brings the popular and competitive dimension of the feast to the piazza.

The challenge of the five districts

The five districts of the town face each other in an equestrian race: about twenty horses represent the different districts and compete along a predetermined course. The district whose horse completes the track in the shortest time wins. The division into districts is rooted in the history of Montelongo, a village born from the meeting of Byzantine, Latin, Spanish, and Slavic communities, whose territorial and cultural differences have transformed over time into a competitive tradition.

Feast, faith, and identity

Around the Palio, the celebrations for Saint Roch unfold, with religious and community moments that liven up the village during Ferragosto, in one of the most cherished events of the Montelongo calendar.