Since Friday September 6th, until Sunday evening September 8th the small town of Isola Dovarese, in the province of Cremona, as per tradition and for 47 years now it will be completely transformed to give life to the traditional Palio. The central streets will return to the Middle Ages and from 19 pm the opening of the Servitù de Passage, the brothel and the market takes place. Starting from this time to enter the village, it will be necessary to pay the gabelle. In the districts and in the four taverns you will be able to find merchants, shady females, devilry and curiosities, music and song at your pleasure until dawn comes ".
For these three evenings the artificial lights will be turned off and everything will be illuminated by torches and braziers, we will walk on straw and the inhabitants will be dressed in clothes of the time. You can choose to dine at the "Taverna del Viandante", the "Seven Sins", the "Taverna dell'Aquila d'oro" or the "Taverna della Tinca": these will offer dishes whose recipes are inspired by medieval traditions and there are dishes for all tastes such as very good cereal soups, the stew with plums, river fish and blancmange. Everything here has to be eaten with wooden spoons… and don't try to ask for a steak knife of your choice! To accompany the dinner you will be served some delicious spiced wine, all in glasses, earthenware plates and jugs.
Along the streets of the town there are, in addition to taverns, also stalls where leather crafts, spices and much more are sold, kiosks where to drink a glass of wine and eat something, the fortune teller's corner and some spaces dedicated to games of the time, including archery.
This year the theme of the Palio is "The Hero's Journey", As Guerrino said, the mean traveled the worlds, defeated the giants and found love and during the days there will be traditional events: Friday evening the delivery of the keys to the Podestà by the mayor, the presentation of the districts and the spectacle of the archers. On Saturday, on the other hand, a traditional banquet will take place in the square: if you want to experience the evening in the front row eating among the lords of the village however, you will have to pay a not-so-low-cost figure! During the sumptuous dinner the atmosphere will be animated by the show that gives the title to the Palio in which the protagonists will be fires, dances and flags. On Sunday, on the other hand, from the morning onwards, the taverns are opened and in the afternoon the games that will decree the winning district take place, all accompanied as always by dances, flag-wavers, processions and music. After dinner, the show "The seven deadly sins" of the Compagnia all'Improvvisata ei fireworks will conclude the Palio.
During these days the official currency is the Cash which will be given to you as change if you pay in Euros and which is possible to have at the "Exchange Office". Admission costs 9€ (or € 4 reduced) and ample parking and a camper area are available. For all information, booking of the banquet and subscriptions for entry in the three days it is necessary to contact the number 333 2535386.
