When we talk about “palio”, our thoughts immediately run to events known throughout the world, but Molise also boasts a historic race: the Palio delle Quercigliole, which takes place in Ripalimosani on 11 and 12 August. This tradition, of uncertain origins, is officially dated back to 1807, as attested by a celebratory poster from 1907. However, another document preserved in the library of the Capuchin Friars of Campobasso suggests an earlier date, 1765. Despite the discrepancies, the count of the editions starts from 1807.
The Palio takes place in Contrada Quercigliole, along a route of about one kilometer that leads to the Chapel of the Madonna della Neve. The race area is a rural district located on a hill, about two kilometers from the town center. Tradition dictates that, at dawn on the first Sunday in July, the statue of the Madonna delle Quercigliole is transferred in procession to the town’s Mother Church, where it remains exposed for veneration until the August festival.
On August 12, the hill becomes a meeting point for residents and visitors, who gather under the oak trees for a traditional picnic. In the afternoon, the public lines up along the route, largely following the Lucera-Castel di Sangro sheep track, to support the riders who compete “bareback”, or without a saddle. Each jockey represents one of the town’s six districts: Villaggi, Morgione, Piazza, San Rocco, Santa Lucia and Castello. The winner has the honor of entering the Madonna chapel on horseback, where he receives the commission’s compliments. Here, the rider makes the animal perform a symbolic gesture: a slight bow as a sign of devotion.
The celebrations continue in the town until late at night, with musical performances and the inevitable fireworks display, which concludes one of the most heartfelt traditions of the Ripalimosani community.