Palio of Taranto

The Palio of Taranto, the district tournament on the two seas

The Palio of Taranto, also known as the District Tournament, is one of the most deeply felt historical and sporting events in the Ionian capital. Every year, the Navigable Canal separating the Old Town from the Borgo becomes the stage for a gripping rowing race: ten wooden boats, each representing a district of Taranto, compete under the guidance of two rowers who stand while rowing, following an ancient maritime technique.

A tradition that evokes the history of Taranto

The event, revived in its modern form in 1986, has its roots in the regattas that for centuries accompanied the city's religious celebrations and maritime life. The Palio is closely linked to the festivities for Saint Cataldo, the patron saint of Taranto, whose feast day is celebrated in May: the first regatta of the year is held during the patronal feast. Before the races, the courtyard of the Aragonese Castle hosts the evocative blessing of the oars, a ceremony that officially kicks off the Palio season.

The ten competing districts

The city is ideally divided into ten districts, each represented by its own crew and colors:

• Tamburi-Croce
• Città Vecchia-Isola
• Borgo-Sanzio
• Italia-Montegranaro
• Tre Carrare-Battisti
• Salinella
• Talsano-San Donato
• Solito-Corvisea
• Paolo VI
• Lama-Carelli-San Vito

How the regatta works

The boats circumnavigate the Island (the Old Town), a route that crosses the Mar Grande and the Mar Piccolo, finishing in the Navigable Canal at the foot of the spectacular Swivel Bridge. The tournament consists of several events spread between May and July: the inaugural race during the Saint Cataldo celebrations is followed by qualifying heats, leading up to the final summer regatta which, by adding up the scores, crowns the winning district.

An identity-defining event in the heart of Puglia

Organized by the ASD Palio of Taranto with the support of the Municipality of Taranto, the Palio is much more than a sporting competition: it is a collective ritual that strengthens the bond between the people of Taranto, the sea, and their history. In the capital of the Province of Taranto, in Puglia, the event attracts thousands of spectators every year along the canal banks, amidst district cheering, traditional costumes, and the unmistakable scenery of the two seas.