Palio dei Lumi

The Palio dei Lumi is the historic football tournament in costume that brings Pieve Santo Stefano to life for the Feast of Madonna dei Lumi, patron saint of the town

One of the most deeply felt traditions in the Valtiberina returns to Pieve Santo Stefano. The event combines historical re-enactment, district spirit and popular devotion, accompanying the town towards the Feast of Madonna dei Lumi on 7 and 8 September.

The competition features the four historic districts of Pieve Santo Stefano: Ponte Nuovo, Ponte Vecchio, Rialto and Centro Paese. The teams compete in a historic football tournament in costume that recalls ancient military exercises and is connected to the re-enactment of the siege of the Castle of Pieve Santo Stefano by the Landsknechts in 1527.

The route towards the final opens with the historical procession and the draw for the qualifying matches, before continuing with the first challenges between the districts. The final event is scheduled for 8 September, the day of the Nativity of Mary and the popular feast that Pieve Santo Stefano has celebrated since the 17th century.

Alongside the sporting and re-enactment elements, the Palio is part of the atmosphere of the celebrations dedicated to Madonna dei Lumi, with religious services, district illuminations, community moments and events in the town centre.

PROGRAMME

Friday 28 August

Historic centre
HISTORICAL PROCESSION AND DRAW FOR THE QUALIFYING MATCHES
Opening of the Palio with the historical procession of the districts and the draw for the qualifying matches.

Sunday 30 August

Campo dei Lumi
QUALIFYING MATCHES OF THE PALIO DEI LUMI
First matches of the historic football tournament in costume between the historic districts of Pieve Santo Stefano.

Sunday 6 September

Croce di Stantino
MASS AT THE CROCE DI STANTINO
Religious event included in the September celebrations calendar.

Monday 7 September

Historic centre
FEAST OF MADONNA DEI LUMI
A day dedicated to religious and popular celebrations in honour of Madonna dei Lumi.

Tuesday 8 September

Campo dei Lumi
FINAL OF THE PALIO DEI LUMI
Final match of the historic football tournament in costume between the two districts that won the qualifying matches.

Historic centre
BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN
Religious moment linked to the Feast of Madonna dei Lumi.

Piazza Plinio Pellegrini
TOMBOLA IN THE SQUARE
Traditional closing event of the feast.