Horse race in Asti & donkey race in Alba
Every year the Piedmont races again: on horseback in Asti and on donkeys in Alba. The history of the two competitions dates back to 1275, when the cities rivaled each other.
Asti came out victorious and the winners organized a horse race along the city walls of Alba. But the inhabitants of Alba did not let this sit on themselves and mocked their opponents with a donkey race.
Palio di Asti – the horse race without a saddle
The horse race of Asti takes place in September. And on saddle ridden horses. It is considered one of the most exciting "Palio Events" in Italy. The event will be accompanied by a historic procession through the streets of the old town, with more than 1,200 people from all participating districts of the city and the surrounding communities. It shows the events of the medieval history of Asti.
In the days before the Palio, the city is full of the colors of the flags and enlivened by the Palio of the "bandiere", the flag-wavers, the dinners to bring good luck to the group, the market of the Palio and the training races of the horses on the Piste in Piazza Alfieri.
Palio degli Asini in Alba – th donkey race
Every year in October, the nine neighborhoods compete in the donkey race in Alba for the hand-painted banner, the Palio. The allocation of donkeys takes place through a raffle on the morning of the race. Before the starting shot, the residents stage - accompanied by fanfares and drum rolls - a big parade through the streets of the city.
Upon arrival in Piazza Osvaldo Cagnasso, each district presents a medieval scene. The subsequent race consists of two rounds and a final.
Fancy the experience?
The Palios are very popular and attract many spectators every year.