The Palio delle Barche Boat Race in Passignano, one of the most beautiful villages of Italy on the northern shores of Trasimeno Lake. From July 24 to 31 2022 the historical re-enactment where the town districts, called ‘Rioni’, compete in this engaging race, after a two-year break due to the pandemic.
The history of the Boat Race
The Passignano sul Trasimeno Boat Race is a historical pageant of the last battle between two noble families of Perugia, the Baglionis and the Oddis: as far back as 1495, Passignano was a strategic site where the two noble families fought. In this final battle the Baglionis had the upper hand and part of the Oddi family’s troops was forced out of the castle, with their boats on their shoulders, running to the shore of the lake to save themselves.
The battle of the Boats
The ‘Palio’ is structured in the following way: the town’s four Districts: Centro Storico, Centro Nuovo or Centro Due, Oliveto and San Donato compete, in a first race, bringing water to the town docks. From here the second stage begins: the teams of the four districts, with their boats on their shoulders, run as fast as they can towards the castle, along the boardwalk, and through the cobble stone lanes of the historical centre, and all the way to the docks. The last stage of the Boat Race is in the water, where the participants finish the competition in their boats.
Passignano’s fete
The historical race will be held on Sunday July 31 and will conclude with the famous fireworks over the lake. On the days leading up to this, the whole town prepares for the battle: Passignano is in full celebrations for visitors, opening ‘taverne’, or traditional restaurants, for the occasion where one can enjoy traditional dishes of Trasimeno Lake, and enjoy shows and historical re-enactments. Final practice for the race is usually held on Friday.
All of the information about the event is provided on the website dedicated to the Palio delle Barche di Passignano.
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