The Gonfalone di Arpino, a lively folkloristic event among the neighborhoods and districts, fervently celebrates the traditions of the ancestors and the fascinating land of Ciociara. The Palio of the “Land of Cicero” not only enhances our roots, but is also a powerful tool for promoting tourism for the city of Arpino, allowing us to make known the rich heritage of history, art, typicality and local traditions.
The event is developed in three phases: it starts with the contrada festivities, followed by the re-enactments of ancient crafts in the historic center and real competitive moments. One of the most original competitions is the race with the “cannata”, where brave women balance a characteristic terracotta container full of water on their heads, without being able to help themselves with their hands.
Since 1 December 2022, the Race with the Cannata del Gonfalone di Arpino has been officially recognized among the “Unesco Good Practices for the Safeguarding of Traditional Games and Sports”. The Presentation of the Banner, which is held on the last weekend of July, is a prestigious event with the participation of the highest provincial and regional authorities. During this occasion, the drape up for grabs is presented for the first time, painted by internationally renowned masters, and the winner of this prestigious award will be one of the districts and districts participating in the August competitions.
The festivities of Quartieri and Contrade enthusiastically precede the Gonfalone competitions, offering everyone the opportunity to celebrate for several days and taste the delicious local dishes. On the Friday before the assignment of the Drape, the corners of the town come alive with representations of ancient crafts, culminating in moments of joy, accompanied by traditional music and dances such as the saltarello in the square or the cannata dance.
Saturday is dedicated to the long-awaited Donkey Race and the “Tug of War”, while Sunday is the highlight with a parade in folkloric costumes and a series of competitions, including the sack race, the cane race, the wheelbarrow race, the relay race and the tug-of-war. The day ends with the solemn awarding of the winners and the long-awaited moment of the assignment of the Drape to the district or district that has scored the highest score, thus bringing this extraordinary festival to an apotheosis.
