“Tonna Palio” in Civita di Bagnoregio

June 2nd, 2024, donkey race in the small square of Civita, the “dying town”

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On the 1st Sunday of June and the 2nd Sunday of September the little town of Civita di Bagnoregio, in the province of Viterbo, hosts “Palio della Tonna“, an old race with donkeys competing in a very small square of the town

Palio della Tonna race is very similar to Siena’s Palio: jockeys ride bareback and 3 laps must be done. But there is also another difference: as the race course is very narrow, only two donkeys can run at the same time.
The stars of the competition are undoubtedly the donkeys, who during the race do whatever they want: they stop, graze, kick. People cheer and have a good time.

Tonna’s Palio is still a very popular festival in the surroundings and among the few inhabitants of the village (about 15 people).
Every year they keep this tradition alive despite the tragic fate that awaits Civita as the entire village is located on top of a plateau of friable volcanic tuff and thus it is in constant danger of destruction as the edges of the plateau collapse due to erosion. A sign at the entrance of the village infact says, “Civita, the town that is dying”.

Civita di Bagnoregio is a candidate for recognition as UNESCO World Heritage site.

INFORMATION
For more information see the website>>> or contact +39 392 006 0314
To enter Civita TICKET IS REQUIRED>>>
See also the Facebook page of the organizers>>>

Discover the other Unesco sites in Lazio region >>>
And see on ItalybyEvents a selection of further events or places to visit in the region>>>

Photos from Wikipedia and website of the event