WHEN: The Saturday before the first Tuesday of May, Feast of the patron saint

WHERE: Piazza San Secondo

TYPE OF EVENT: Folklore - culture

Estimation of the Palio and oath of the Rectors

The ceremonies of the Palio officially open the celebrations of Saint Secundus. The Stima del Palio (Appraisal of the Prize) and the Giuramento del Capitano, dei Magistrati e dei Rettori (Oath of the Captain, the Magistrates, and the Rectors) are in fact the moment most intimately linked to tradition.
The ceremonies, which take place at night, are preceded by an evocative procession in medieval costume that starts from Piazza Cattedrale and reaches Piazza San Secondo.
The Giuramento (Oath), publicly solemnized in Piazza San Secondo, expresses the high commitment that the Captain's Group and the Rectors assume towards the City and the rules of the Palio.
This is followed by the ceremony of the Stima (Appraisal), the importance of which is underlined by the presence of the Prefect and the Public Prosecutor.
The Estimatori (Appraisers), representing the guild of weavers and merchants, evaluate the drapes: One for the Colleggiata di San Secondo (Collegiate Church of Saint Secundus), signifying the end of an ancient dispute between civil and religious power, and one for the September race. Having confirmed the "goodness" of the drapes, the Mayor, guarantor of civic values, pronounces the ritual formula to officially announce the Corsa del Palio (Palio Race):
"The Palios are composed of two essential elements: the painted "labaro" (flag), which bears the effigy of the Saint and the insignia of the City of Asti and the "Palio" (Prize) itself, consisting of a long piece of crimson velvet joined to the "labaro" (flag). The "labaro" (flag) measures cm. 75x146. The "Palio" (Prize) is measured in "rasi" (satins): Sixteen for the Palio della corsa (Race Palio), ten for the Palio offered to the Collegiate.
The "raso" (satin), an ancient Piedmontese measure, corresponds to sixty centimeters. The Palios that the Municipality has donated to the Collegiata di San Secondo (Collegiate Church of St Secundus) over time decorate the policolumni of the central nave of the Collegiate Church, while the most recent are exhibited on the Carroccio (Cart), in the first chapel of the right aisle; those won by the districts are jealously guarded in their respective offices."