A Folklore Event with Games, Historical Parades, Typical Dishes, Folk Music. A genuine festival and an ancient game that unites generations!
The Palio d’la Ciaramèla (or Palio della Ciaramela, “Palio della Ciärämèlä” in the Lomellina dialect) is a Traditional Folklore Event and popular competition held in Mede, a municipality in the province of Pavia.
An event, rich in History and Folklore, reenacts the rural traditions of Lomellina and sees the town’s 10 districts compete in Games, Parades and period Reenactments.
The day culminates with the Ciaramèla Competition (an ancient game similar to lippa), held at the Mede municipal stadium.
Traditional Program
Friday
opening of the Ristopalio with local dishes (risotto alla pilota, frogs, cured meats, mustard, rice cakes) and Popular Games.
Saturday
Stalls, Shows and Children’s Palio, Women’s Palio, Entertainment.
Sunday
Historical parade in peasant costume, with Madrinas, Mistrin (flag bearer), Vintage carriages, Mass with blessing of the Banner.
Main Competition of the Palio d’la Ciaramèla
The Game of “Ciaramèla” (or Lippa)
An ancient pastime of poor farmers similar to baseball that is played with two pieces of wood like broomsticks.
One, long (50-60 cm) acts as a stick, the other, short about 15 cm with tapered ends, acts as a ball.
The Ciaramèla (Lippa) is placed on a support (stone, brick), hit with the stick to launch it into the air, then hit again in mid-air to send it as far as possible.
The winner is the one who throws the longest or scores the most points in the various trials.
It’s a game of skill, precision, strength, and eye: it requires technique to “fly” the ciaramèla correctly, preventing it from falling too quickly.
WHEN
This event usually takes place every year on the second Sunday of September.
Free admission.
For information, dates, and event schedule, visit the website listed at the end of the article.
The events listed may be subject to change or cancellation.
It is always advisable to check in advance to confirm the event and dates.
Palio della Ciaramela
Mede (Pavia)
Lombardy – Italy
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