Palio di San Lorenzo

The race that takes place on the water

Every August 10th, as Subiaco celebrates its patron saint, the town in the Aniene Valley transforms into a river arena. The Palio di San Lorenzo is not held on horseback or in a town square, but on the rushing waters of the Aniene river: eight rafting rafts, one for each historic district, launch into a race filled with rapids and small waterfalls, under the watchful eyes of crowds lining the banks and bridges. More than just a re-enactment, it is a sporting event where history and competition serve as a catalyst to strengthen community values and a sense of belonging.

The eight historic districts of Subiaco

The city is divided into eight districts: Arco, Colle, Missione, Montore-La Grotta, Prestecata, San Lorenzo, Valle, and Vignola. Each district takes to the water with its own colors, motto, and a banner recreated through historical research. During the days of the Palio, the districts come alive with dinners, practice sessions, and flags hanging from windows, creating a spirit of healthy rivalry reminiscent of Italy's great traditional palios, but set in a unique river environment.

The race: from the Sant'Antonio bridge to the Petrea waterfall

The race course unfolds along the urban stretch of the Aniene between the Municipal River Center, near the Sant'Antonio bridge, and the medieval San Francesco bridge. Crews must navigate the rapids and small waterfalls separating the two bridges, crossing the finish line after the so-called "Petrea" waterfall. It is a test of team spirit, self-control, and collective effort: victory goes not just to the strongest, but to those who can read the current and paddle in perfect unison.

Ceremonies, parade, and the Baby Palio

The water challenge is the climax of a program involving the entire community: the ceremony where the previous year's winner returns the Palio, the blessing of the banner in the church of San Lorenzo, the parade of district members from the Sant'Antonio bridge to the medieval Opifici quarter, the presentation of the districts, and the drawing of the starting order. Alongside the main race, the Baby Palio takes place, where young crews from the eight districts compete, ensuring the next generation carries on the tradition. The 2025 edition also featured a strong message of inclusion, with individuals with disabilities from Anffas Subiaco serving as the Palio's standard-bearers.

A young tradition with an ancient heart

Born in 2014—with the Vignola district as the first winner—the Palio di San Lorenzo reached its tenth edition in 2025, organized by the Collegio del Palio in collaboration with the Municipality of Subiaco. The choice of the river is no coincidence: Subiaco owes its name to the artificial lakes of Nero's villa (Sublaqueum, meaning "under the lakes"), and the Aniene, now a recognized destination for rafting and river sports, has always been the soul of the village. The Palio transforms this bond into a collective celebration, uniting historical memory with contemporary sport.

Subiaco and the Aniene Valley, in the heart of Lazio

One of the most picturesque villages in the Metropolitan City of Rome, in the Lazio region, Subiaco is famous for the Benedictine monasteries of Santa Scolastica and the Sacro Speco, as well as the Rocca Abbaziale. On August 10th, between the patron saint's feast and the night of Saint Lawrence, the Palio is the perfect opportunity to discover the historic center, the flavors of the Aniene Valley, and a unique way to experience the river: from the banks and bridges, the show is free and open to all.