Palio delle Contrade

The Palio delle Contrade of Serracapriola

The Palio delle Contrade is the highlight of the summer in Serracapriola, a village in the Alto Tavoliere overlooking the Fortore valley, on the border between Apulia and Molise, in the province of Foggia. Reviving an ancient local custom that had long been dormant, the event has become a permanent fixture on the calendar in recent years, attracting thousands of people: the most recent edition drew approximately 7,000 spectators along Corso Garibaldi.

The Donkey Race

The heart of the day is the centuries-old donkey race, which sees the town's districts compete against one another. In the morning, the draw to divide the competitors into two heats takes place at Palazzo Arranga (the town hall); in the late afternoon, the winners of each heat compete for the Palio in the final race. Before the race, the traditional blessing of the donkeys and jockeys takes place in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, followed by a procession featuring flag-wavers and musicians.

The Nine Districts

Competing for the banner are the nine districts into which the historic center is ideally divided, each with its own colors and jockey: A' Vullène, U' Castell, Cav d'Arén, For' a Pòrt, A' Grépp, I Franceschèn, U' Cummènt, Porta Bianchini, and D'Agnone. Their names, in the local dialect, reflect the identity of the neighborhoods and fuel a lighthearted rivalry that involves both young and old.

San Mercurio and the Patronal Festivities

The Palio serves as the concluding event of the festivities in honor of San Mercurio, the patron saint of Serracapriola, which bring the town to life in the first days of September with religious celebrations, processions, illuminations, and public gatherings. The district race thus seals several days of celebration that weave together popular devotion, tradition, and community spirit.

A Celebration of Apulian Tradition

Beyond the race, the program features shows and entertainment: the historical pageant with flag-wavers and musicians from Lucera, falconry displays, live music in the evening, and a fireworks show to close the day. Organized by the INARMA A.P.I. association (Association of Retired Inter-force Personnel) with the support of the Municipality of Serracapriola and the Apulia Region, the Palio delle Contrade is now one of the most deeply felt identity-driven events in the Foggia Alto Tavoliere.