Palio of Castelfranco 2024: boroughs ready as city keys are handed over

Palio of Castelfranco 2024: opening ceremony

The 2024 Palio of Castelfranco officially began with the symbolic delivery of the city keys, marking the start of the festivities. Local authorities emphasized care for the town and the organising committee pledged to protect the historic legacy.

Flags, knights and competing quarters

At the presentation evening held at the Accademico Theatre the banners of the participating quarters were displayed and the knights assigned to each team were announced. Competitors will contend for the traditional treasure chest tournament through a set of medieval-inspired trials.

• Assigned knights: Alessandro (Borgo Valsugana), Ubertus (Treville), Felix (Salvatronda), Flavio (Campigo), Luca (Borgo Padova), Marco (Villarazzo), Walter (Borgo Bassano), Giacomo (Quartiere Verdi).
• The banner of Bella Venezia was shown but will not take part in the competition.

Competitions and attractions

The tournament includes traditional tests featured in historical reenactments: historical archery, javelin throw and sword duel. A storytelling element – the narration of a short tale – will be part of the scoring, combining physical skills with narrative performance.

Family activities and medieval market

From the afternoon a medieval market opens in the garden of the Conservatorio Steffani with craftsmen and period vendors. A military camp on the north-west ramparts will host reenactors explaining armor and soldier life from the 13th–14th centuries. A kids’ area with medieval games operates in the north-east gardens.

Evening pageants and the historical reenactment

At 21:00 two torch-lit historical processions will depart from Piazza Duomo and Piazza Giorgione, joining at the north-west tower ramparts. There the 1256 reconciliation between Ezzelino III and his brother Alberico will be reenacted with fire effects, duels and period scenes.

Additional initiatives

• Palio dei Cei: a youth-focused contest with six teams and junior captains;
• Appointment of two symbolic figures who will feature in cultural presentations;
• Workshops and demonstrations of traditional crafts open to families throughout the event.

Practical tip: many attractions are free. Check the schedule for main events (market opening at 16:00, treasure chest tournament scheduled at 17:00 the following day) and plan to arrive early for parking and to enjoy the processions.