The Asti Palio, although not Italy's most famous palio, it is the oldest and dates back to the twelfth century. The third Sunday in September sees the running of The Palio in Piazza Alfieri where twenty one horses are ridden bareback by jockeys representing the 14 quarters of the town and seven villages of the province. The bareback horse race is certainly part of this great Italian festival. However, the celebrations start on the Friday and Saturday before the race. There is food and wine, market stalls and music, parades and fireworks, a true festival where the colours and costumes transform this historic town every year into a fun place to be.
When: Third Sunday in September: "Palio di Asti"
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