By Our Editorial Staff
Every year, on the evening of 8 September, Scarperia lights up its past to celebrate the Diotto, an event that wants to remember the foundation of the village and the investiture of the Vicar, in which compete the districts of the country in gagliardia games for the award of the Palio.
Founded by the Florentine Republic on 7 September 1306, the citizens of the village have always organized the celebrations of the anniversary moving them to 8 September to associate them with the holy feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, which falls the day after that of the foundation: the “Die octo”, which becomes the “Diotto”. In this evening, alternated by the shows of the Bandits and Musicians of Castel San Barnaba, and after the parade of the Historical Procession of Scarperia and that of the Florentine Republic, compete the 4 final districts, contending for the Palio through the challenges in the 5 gagliardia games: “throwing the knives”, “running on bricks”, “rope shooting”, “running in bigonce” and “pole of cuccagna”.
“Not only Palio: the Diotto is art, music, markets and many events!”
The Diotto is much more than a single evening: from mid-August to mid-September, Scarperia immerses itself in an atmosphere full of suggestions and re-enactments that can be experienced throughout the month in the many events proposed.
In anticipation of the Palio del Diotto on 8 September, surely you can not miss the suggestive aperitifs on merlons! A guided tour in the Vicar’s Palace and an aperitif on the walkways, with a special view.
The classic events such as Tombolone and Briscolata will be back, as well as the many activities dedicated to children and families.
Many will be the historical re-enactments within the village: starting from the eliminations of the rioni in Piazza dei Vicari at the end of August, with three intense competition evenings that precede the final on September 8 and determine which rioni will enter the Palio, or the Renaissance Dinner on 6 September that will take place in Piazza de’ Vicari and in the Palace. A Renaissance-style evening with performances of music, theatre, clowns, fire and knife games. A fascinating dive into the past, among soft lights, vintage costumes and a Renaissance menu.
This year a great news! on September 7 Treasure hunt… by bike!
And then the emblematic event that will conclude the celebrations of the Diotto: Festa a corte, which will be held on Saturday 13 September in the charming atrium and courtyard of the Palazzo dei Vicari.
Please find the full programme on www.prolocoscarperia.it/event