Italy, in addition to being a natural paradise, is also a complex mix of cultural layers that have formed over the centuries. The various rulers have left behind customs, traditions and architecture that are still visible and well preserved, creating a cultural and linguistic wealth that is unparalleled in Europe and the world. Italian Traditions has selected events celebrating traditions that take place in August in Ascoli Piceno and Piazza Armerina. These are the Giostra della Quintana and the Palio dei Normanni, respectively: two medieval re-enactments that distinguish both places in an exceptional way.
Ascoli Piceno was a very famous city in Roman times, although some scholars believe it was founded before Rome. Linked to the Sabines, Ascoli’s role grew exponentially in medieval times, first with Odoacer and Theodoric, and then finding itself at the centre of disputes between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. It was during those centuries that the Giostra della Quintana, a jousting tournament involving the whole city with its six districts, each recognisable by its different colours, became established. The highlight of the event, which takes place every year in July and August, is preceded by an impressive procession of hundreds of participants dressed in costume, representing the city’s highest officials of the time.
So nobles, musicians, flag throwers, crossbowmen, archers and other figures typical of the Middle Ages. Once they reach the Campo dei Giochi, after a journey of about a kilometre and a half, the procession watches as the Palio to be awarded to the winner is brought out of the Palazzo dei Capitani. Today, the competition takes place inside the Squarcia stadium sports facility. The aim of the game is to run around the field three times before hitting the target placed on the arm of the “Moro”. A bust that brings to mind the wars against the Saracens in defence of Christianity. Of course, before the competition, the knights, each belonging to their own district, stop for the customary greetings under the stage, paying homage to the “Magnifico Messere” and the ladies present. The ladies, in turn, tie a handkerchief in the colours of their district to the knight’s lance, which he then ties to his arm. Victory is determined by the highest number of hits in the shortest possible time.
The event attracts thousands of people from Italy and abroad, and it is also an opportunity to taste typical recipes from the Piceno area of the Marche region at stands and markets set up for the occasion. These range from specialities such as delicious truffles, mushrooms and the renowned Ascoli olives to mixed fried food from Ascoli, lasagne called vincisgrassi and, also as a first course, castagnole: balls of dough filled with ricotta, crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. There is also a wide selection of wines: first and foremost is Offida, one of the region’s five DOCG wines. Then there is Falerio dei Colli Ascolani, Rosso Piceno, Rosso Piceno Superiore and Rosso Piceno Novello, which is also grown in Ancona.
Anisetta is unforgettable, a green anise liqueur that can be sipped neat or with a roasted coffee bean in the glass. Anisetta can also be poured in small doses into a cup to enhance the coffee. Ascoli remains a tourist destination also for its cultural offerings: in addition to the medieval alleys and the main square where the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo stands, the Civic Art Gallery at the Palazzo dell’Arringo, the Cathedral of Sant’Emidio, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Episcopal Palace with its rich Diocesan Museum are of great interest, signs of a past of great importance.
Alongside the Giostra della Quintana, there is another historical re-enactment of great interest. In Sicily, in Piazza Armerina, the evocative Palio dei Normanni takes place every year in August. The event takes place from 12 to 14 August in the beautiful medieval village located in the heart of the island. The re-enactment is closely linked to the expulsion of the Saracens by the Normans about a thousand years ago. The Palio, which lasts three days, opens with the exciting Consegna delle Armi (Delivery of Weapons) to the jousters, a ceremony that takes place in front of the Garibladi theatre, from where the procession then winds its way towards the Cathedral, where Mass is celebrated with the blessing of the knights and the delivery of the votive lamp that is placed at the foot of the fercolo with the image of Maria Santissima delle Vittorie, the Virgin venerated in Piazza Armerina to whom the help received for the victory against the Moors is attributed. The following day, the so-called Consegna delle Chiavi (Handing Over of the Keys) is re-enacted in front of the Cathedral.
The processions from the four rival districts watch Count Ruggero and his soldiers make their symbolic entrance into the city to receive the keys from the Grand Magistrate. The three days of festivities conclude with the Giostra del Saraceno, where knights compete in four trials: in order, to hit the Saracen’s shield with a lance; to hit the Saracen’s shield with a mace; to take a ring placed on the Saracen with a lance; and to throw a javelin through a ring placed on a fork.
As in Ascoli Piceno, the auspicious annual celebration in Piazza Armerina is also a reason for games and street parties, with tastings of local delicacies, including succulent traditional dishes promoted by the project “Sicily, European Region of Food and Wine 2025”. Tourists can enjoy fried pasta, pasta alla Norma, rice timbale with homemade ragù and the famous arancini. For dessert, there are cannoli and cassata, as well as the typical Christmas sweet: artisanal nougat made with locally sourced ingredients. As for wines, the grape varieties grown in the area are Nerello Mascalese and Nero d’Avola for reds; Frappato and Nerello Cappuccio for black grapes. Cataratto and Grillo for whites. Not only the Palio dei Normanni, visiting the city of mosaics is also a unique opportunity to visit the Villa del Casale, the 4th-century AD Roman residence that houses beautiful mosaics in almost perfect condition.
A World Heritage Site and UNESCO site, Villa del Casale is located a few kilometres from the town centre and is a complex of buildings including a highly prestigious spa area. The villa jealously guards two mosaics of inestimable value: the ‘Great Hunt’ and the ‘Circus Games’. Also of great value are the Cathedral, the nearby Morgantina Theatre, located in the archaeological area, the Aragonese Castle, the 18th-century Villa delle Meraviglie, the Museum of Rural Life and the Museum of the Zolfatai. In short, Ascoli and Piazza Armerina offer visitors two cities steeped in tradition, good living and a wealth of culture.
