By Paola Butera
The Giochi de le Porte represent the vibrant heart of Gualdo Tadino, and we had the opportunity to discuss this with Christian Severini, the president of the Ente Giochi de le Porte. He was elected in March of this year and will lead the board of directors for the next three years, overseeing all administrative aspects of the Palio di San Michele Arcangelo and representing the Games at every institutional event.
Mr. President, could you please describe how the event unfolds?
“Certainly. ‘Giochi de le Porte’ is the name that designates the entire festival centered around the Palio held on Sunday in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel. The event spans three days during the last weekend of September; this year it will take place from the 26th to the 28th. It begins on Friday with a highly evocative procession: approximately 1,200 participants known as tavernieri depart from each individual gate of the city. The festival involves four districts, called gates: Porta San Facondino, San Donato, San Martino, and San Benedetto. Each gate has a Prior and a Priora who are elected every three years. The procession concludes with everyone gathering in Piazza Martiri della Libertà for a grand celebration where the tavernieri offer food and exchange gifts, thus officially commencing the main festivities of the games. The evening then continues with a magnificent performance: the drummers from each gate compete in truly extraordinary exhibitions. The following day, Saturday, is perhaps the most exciting day. It begins in the afternoon with a competition among the crossbowmen, and the winner earns the honor of parading with the Palio during the procession. In the evening, there is a grand procession featuring over a thousand people dressed in medieval costumes, with each city gate presenting a different theme. It is important to note that all of this is prepared and presented to an artistic committee at least six months before the event. Furthermore, a jury composed of a set designer, a costume designer, and a university professor specializing in medieval history carefully evaluates how faithfully the themes and costumes adhere to the historical period.
The procession traverses the city along the ancient walls of Gualdo Tadino until it reaches the square, where a spectacle takes place featuring a competition among the gates. Sunday, on the other hand, is dedicated to the actual races: the Palio! The day starts in the morning with weighing of the carts; then in the afternoon there is another procession with priors, nobles, and jugglers. Everyone gathers around the palace in the square where, after a blessing, official races commence. The first race is that of carts pulled by donkeys carrying two jockeys onboard. This race is characteristic of our city because the donkey symbolizes our community. The competition is a timed event held around the walls and is truly captivating, with timed intervals that keep everyone on edge. Additionally, there is the slingshot shooting contest, a sport in which Gualdo Tadino holds the title of Italian champion, as well as archery. Each contest awards points that are then totaled, and ultimately, the gate with the highest score wins. The final event is the bareback donkey race, where the riders from the four gates race on their donkeys without saddles, but this time they go in the opposite direction compared to the cart race. When the judge deems all donkeys ready, a bell rings to start the race, much like what happens at the Palio di Siena. This race usually determines the final Palio since it is rare for one gate to have already won before this last trial. Therefore, immediately after this race concludes, the actual Palio is awarded. It is worth noting that the Palio banner, kept in the Chapel of Saint Michael Archangel within the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Benedict, is created each year by an artist selected by a commission of experts. It always features elements such as Saint Michael Archangel, the city of Gualdo, the dragon (symbolizing evil), or the bastola (which was Gualdo’s sworn enemy), along with symbols representing the four gates and is carried by the winning crossbowman during the parade. At the conclusion of the competitions, the banner is presented to the prior of the winning gate. The final phase of the event is truly evocative and is known as the “burning of the bastola,” which officially marks the end of the entire celebration. Historically, this bastola was considered the sworn enemy of Gualdo Tadino and, according to legend, caused two fires in the city. For this reason, a mannequin symbolizing a witch is created, brought to the square, and then burned. After the burning, the effigy is handed over to the winning gate by the gate that won in the previous year. All participants gather around the fire to dance and celebrate together. Thus, the games come to an end”.
What should visitors expect when attending this significant event? “The whole town of Gualdo immerses itself in tradition: visiting during these days feels like stepping back in time. Watching the parades, competitions, and enjoying food at the taverns offers a truly unique experience. Throughout the three days, taverns open from Friday evening where one can eat and socialize with locals. On Saturday, everything transforms into a medieval atmosphere with taverns serving typical dishes from that historical period and participants dressed in period costumes. The inaugural edition dates back to 1970; subsequently, there was a seven-year hiatus, but since 1978 the event has been held regularly. This year marks the forty-seventh edition, with the exception of the years affected by the 1997 earthquake-which occurred just two days before the commencement-and 2020 due to the pandemic. This reenactment originated from historical research and was initially organized by an association dedicated to reviving ancient medieval games. Today, the event is enriched by numerous ancillary activities held throughout the year, such as the spring games, which are aimed at children up to eighteen years old. Additionally, there is the Convivium Epulonis, a themed medieval dinner where all participants don period costumes. This evening invites politicians and journalists and serves both as a presentation of the games and as an important occasion for fundraising through contributions from local entrepreneurs. Throughout the year, various events and conferences continue to attract interest, and we aspire to promote awareness of the Giochi de le Porte worldwide”.
While awaiting news about the latest developments regarding Giochi de le Porte-such as the names of judges which remain confidential-we now give the floor to each Porta’s Priors. Meanwhile, we inform you that Priors serve a three-year term and that this year they remain unchanged from last year.
Let us begin with the Porta di San Facondino, Luca Fiorucci is the outgoing Prior and victor, alongside the Prioress Maria Cristina Cocchi. Luca shares with us: “Indeed, last year we were the winning gate; we triumphed both in the Palio of San Michele Arcangelo during the Sunday competitions and received the award for the best historical procession on Saturday evening. Thus, we achieved a double victory and are the reigning champions. Naturally, we always say that the celebration takes place on the saint’s day, so Sunday can always hold surprises; however, I do not deny that we are well aware of our worth and will play our cards to the fullest once again this year. We will arrive prepared for Sunday. It is true that we start as defending champions, but it will be an extremely challenging competition because the other gates are very competitive and also present themselves strongly. Even last year, the palio was fiercely contested and uncertain until the final race; therefore, I expect another balanced challenge until the end. We will do our utmost to try to retain the title.”
Regarding Porta San Benedetto, we spoke with Prior Marco Pannacci, who, drawing upon his extensive experience accumulated over the years, shared the following: “I began participating in the Games of the Gates back in 1996 as an archer and was fortunate enough to win four Palii, both in the archery competition and in the Palio itself. Over time, my experience grew, leading me to become responsible for the archers; after a hiatus, I returned in 2021 to resume this role alongside Prior Stefania Comodi. This is now our fifth year, and we have consistently placed between second and third. This year, I am working closely with the entire team to finally achieve that long-awaited result which has recently eluded us partly due to a bit of bad luck-and as is well known, sometimes that is necessary! We sincerely hope this will be the right year. In any case, we prepare with humility and approach the competitions respecting our opponents because we recognize their strength; however, we are equally aware of our own capabilities. We will leave nothing to chance nor any effort unmade: this has always been my guiding principle, first as a juggler and later as a leader. Currently, I am working across all sectors of the team and am firmly convinced that this year too we will be protagonists on par with the other gates, hoping finally to secure victory.”
Gianluca Anzuini, the Prior of Porta San Martino, which ranked third last year, shares his experience with us. “I have been Prior since 2023, and in my first year, I already won the Palio San Michele Arcangelo with my gate, alongside Priora Sara Guidobaldi, who has stood by my side since the day I was elected and accompanies me on this journey. This year, I am quite optimistic, although there is always the thought that we must have the same weapons and tools as the others. The expectation is to win, especially because last year, due to a disqualification, we fought until the very end for the Palio. And that is precisely what makes the competition exciting. Of course, there are others who also put up a strong fight, and that must be taken into account.” He then adds: “Personally, I believe we are a gate that has won less compared to others; however, after the victory in 2023 and that third place in 2024 (caused by disqualification), we truly came close. In any case, we are always present; we will be strong and determined; beating us really requires great confidence because we are in good form. I want to conclude with a wish to my porters using my motto: ‘non calamo,’ meaning we never lower our guard and remain ready for anything.”
Regarding Porta San Donato, the prior is Alessandro Cesaretti, who also serves as the gonfaloniere, a historic figure connecting the representatives of all four gates. He is supported by the Priora Elisa Lucarelli. “I have been prior since January 2023, but I have been connected to this gate since childhood: I have held various roles, including that of juggler, and I competed with the donkey for seventeen years. In short, I have gained extensive experience and am now truly proud to be Prior,” he tells us. “Last year was challenging, especially due to the flooding that forced us to restore and set up a new headquarters, which drained our energy. However, we are finally operational and can aim for a high-level procession. Last year we had to be somewhat defensive; this year we intend to go on the offensive! My goal remains to represent my gate in the best possible way and make my portaioli proud with a magnificent historical parade. The chosen theme is truly beautiful, and I am confident it will be a source of great pride and splendour.” He continues, “Speaking about the games-the Palio-it has been a period of significant investment that is now bearing fruit. We have made important progress not only in establishing our headquarters but also in training and preparing the donkeys; above all, we have focused heavily on our team of pullers. This year we are genuinely motivated; there is a strong team spirit among the young men-they are very united-and we are confident we will arrive ready for the challenge. We are aware, however, that the other gates are highly competitive, making this a formidable contest. Nevertheless, the spirit of the San Donato gate has always been to face challenges with courage and determination, embracing every challenge with pride. I anticipate that this time will be no different, fully aware that the journey is arduous, yet confident that upon reaching the summit, we will feel truly gratified.”
Finally, we spoke with Mayor Massimiliano Presciutti, who told us: “The city has been abuzz for weeks… on one hand due to the challenge awaiting archers, slingshot users, and pack mule handlers in their quest for the coveted Palio… and on the other hand to warmly welcome the many visitors who will once again peacefully fill our city this year. ‘September in Gualdo is better’ is not merely a slogan but a genuine way of life and a shared sense of Gualdo’s spirit-so infectious that it compels those who have already visited to return with friends and family to experience three unforgettable days of celebration! The Giochi de le Porte are not merely a simple festival or a traditional medieval reenactment; they represent the very essence of a people, of a community united in honour of its Patron Saint, Saint Michael the Archangel. Only during the preparations for the Palio do moments of rivalry arise, yet always within the bounds of fairness and chivalry. Furthermore, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all visiting delegations and guests whom we have the pleasure and honour of hosting. I wish to express once again my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the world of Giochi de le Porte, especially to the many volunteers who dedicate themselves throughout the year to ensure that this grand organizational effort can provide days of celebration filled with joy and a strong sense of community spirit. And so, let the festivities begin! As every year, may the best competitor win!”
Info: Comune di Gualdo Tadino / Piazza martiri della Libertà, 4 / Tel 075 915021 / turismo@tadino.it / www.tadino.it