Palio di San Lodovico

On August 17 and 18, Serravalle Pistoiese will host the traditional Palio di San Lodovico, an archery tournament celebrating its 30ᵗʰ edition in 2025.

The Palio is divided into two events: 

• August 17
  Palio dei Mercenari
  Non-resident archers hailing from all over Italy may participate in this Palio.
  The “Mercenari” (“Mercenaries”) engage in two open competitions in historical costume. One is a friendly afternoon contest on dedicated “battlegrounds” and an evening tournament with 60-feet (18-meter) targets, where prizes are awarded to 4 winners who will later be assigned to the various districts for the Palio on August 18.
• August 18
  Palio dei Rioni
  This Palio traditionally opens with the blessing of the Cencio (a type of flag) and the archers themselves in the Church of Santo Stefano, followed by a parade through Serravalle to the Rocca di Castruccio, the ‘new’ fortress and site of the Palio. 
  Four districts compete for the Cencio: Serravalle, Castellina, Masotti and Ponte di Serravalle. Each team fields four archers plus the Mercenario (Mercenary) assigned by rank order. The aim is to accumulate the most points by hitting a target placed at a distance of 60 feet (18 meters). The target towards which the archers shoot their arrows, the same one on which the Mercenari shoot in the August 17 Palio, has a diameter of 13 inches (33 centimeters). Hitting the yellow part is worth 1 point whereas striking the 5-inch (13-centimeter) black center is worth 3 points. Each archer shoots 3 arrows for 4 volleys (series of shots). In addition to awarding the winning district, a prize is also given to the Best Archer who scores the most points overall.

The setting of the Palio is exalted by the festivities of San Lodovico, the patronal celebration that lights up the festive mood with food and wine stands in Serravalle on August 16, 17, 18 and 19.